how goes it

See also: howgoesit

English

Etymology

The phrase is a regular Early Modern English equivalent of how's it going (when neither progressive tenses nor do-support were obligatory). As such it could have survived through regional dialects. Nevertheless modern usage is likely a calque of German wie geht es, perhaps additionally also Dutch hoe gaat het, Danish hvordan går det, etc.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Phrase

how goes it

1. (idiomatic) An informal greeting roughly equivalent to how are you.
   • c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii], page 300, column 2:

     Here comes the Lady Paulina's Steward: hee can deliuer you more. How goes it now (Sir.)

   • 2010, Jennifer Egan, “X's and O's”, in A Visit from the Goon Squad:

     ‘Scotty, man, how goes it?’ Bennie said, patting me warmly on the back as we shook hands.