how-do-you-do

[ hou-duh-yuh-doo ]

/ ˈhaʊ də yəˈdu /

a greeting; salutation: She smiled and gave him a how-do-you-do fit for a king.

an awkward or unpleasant event or situation: It's a fine how-do-you-do that they've refused to help us out.

Also how-de-do

[hou-dee-doo] /ˈhaʊ diˈdu/.

Origin of how-do-you-do

First recorded in 1625–35

Nobody but a man—a man—would make such a how-de-do over a trunk.

The Brass Bound Box |Evelyn Raymond
It's quite an experience to take a walk with him: He says how-de-do to the quaintest creatures.

The Guests Of Hercules |C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson
"How-de-do," replied Freddie, blinking in the strong light from the window.

Jill the Reckless |P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
I’m so tired of meeting people and having them start in with a gushing, ‘Oh, how-de-do!

Jewel Weed |Alice Ames Winter

Put on your best toggery, Carter, and make your bow, and say how-de-do.

Miss Ravenel's conversion from secession to loyalty |J. W. de Forest