how-d'ye-do

plural how-d'ye-dos

1. A troublesome state of affairs.

   Her abrupt departure from the wedding ceremony was a fine how-d'ye-do.

1. alternativeAlternative form of how do you do (greeting).

   Taking him by the hand in his usual familiar manner, Mr. H. said, ‘How-d’ye-do? How-d’ye-do?[…]’

   1854, John Neal, One Word More: Intended for the Reasoning and Thoughtful Among Unbelievers, page 178

   2 more examples

   “How-d’ye-do, Jewel, how-d’ye-do?” asked the visitor, with that graceful freedom which distinguishes the truly well-bred.

   1836 June, Douglas William Jerrold, “Job Pippins, the Man Who ‘Couldn’t Help It’: Chap. IX”, in Blackwood’s Magazine, volume 39, number 248, page 746

   […] but still, you know, you could recall yourself to my memory, and we could shake hands, say ‘How-d’ye-do?’ and think of—to-night.

   1874, Christian Reid, A Daughter of Bohemia: A Novel, page 159