howdy

¹

[ hou-dee ]

noun

, plural how·dies,

1. hello; how do you do (used as an expression of greeting).

howdy

²

[ hou-dee ]

noun

, Scot. and North England Slang.

, plural how·dies.

1. howdie.

howdy

/ ˈhaʊdɪ /

sentence substitute

1. an informal word for hello

Word History and Origins

Origin of howdy¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from the phrase how do ye?

Word History and Origins

Origin of howdy¹

C16: from the phrase how d'ye do

Example Sentences

“I yelled out howdy” to break the ice, he explained.

From Washington Post

Zoo experts said they have done “howdy introductions” — when the elephants can “see, smell and communicate” with one another through a safety barrier.

From Washington Post

It was a jaded look at the whole affair, but boy howdy, would Cheney have deserved that revenge.

From Washington Post

And once that stuff settles into your membranes, boy howdy is it impossible to rinse out.

From Salon

Boy, howdy, would that be a trade worth dancing for.

From Literature

Related Words

• acceptance
• handshake
• hello
• hospitality
• ovation
• reception
• salute