If you want to mix up your greetings, here are 20 fun alternatives to “How the Devil Are You?” From casual phrases like “What’s going on with you?” to quirky ones like “What’s cooking in your neck of the woods?”, these phrases can add some flair to your conversations.
Whether you’re checking in with a friend or catching up with a colleague, these alternatives keep things lively and interesting.
Next time you greet someone, try using “How’s the universe treating you?” or “What’s the good word?” to shake things up. These fresh, informal greetings make your chats feel more engaging and fun.
20 How in the World Are You? (Surprised and Concerned)
When you greet someone with “How in the world are you?”, it adds a layer of surprise or concern, typically used when you haven’t seen someone in a while or when you’re aware they’ve been going through something unexpected.
It shows genuine curiosity about how they’re doing in the present moment, especially if they’ve faced challenges.
Example:
After receiving a postcard from her friend who had been traveling for months, Sarah excitedly texted, “How in the world are you? I can’t believe it’s been so long since we last caught up!”
2. What’s Going On with You? (Informal and Friendly)
“What’s going on with you?” is a casual and approachable way of asking about someone’s life or recent experiences. It is perfect for informal conversations among friends or acquaintances, conveying warmth and interest in their world.
Example:
During their weekly hangout, Mark asked his best friend, “What’s going on with you? You seemed a little off last time we spoke.”
3. How Have You Been Faring? (Formal and Considerate)
For a more formal and considerate way to check in, use “How have you been faring?” This phrase is especially suited for situations where someone has been facing difficulties, like a sickness, or dealing with personal challenges. It’s a thoughtful way to show that you care about their well-being.
Example:
In her letter to a colleague who was recovering from surgery, Laura wrote, “How have you been faring? I hope your recovery is progressing smoothly.”
4. What’s New in Your Life? (Curious and Engaging)
When you ask “What’s new in your life?”, you’re inviting someone to share recent developments, big or small.
This phrase is a great conversation starter and can spark meaningful discussions about changes, milestones, or exciting events.
Example:
At the reunion, Tom greeted his old friend with a hug and asked, “What’s new in your life? It feels like forever since we last chatted!”
5. How’s Everything on Your End? (Thoughtful and Inclusive)
“How’s everything on your end?” is a more inclusive way to check in with someone, showing interest not just in their personal life but in all aspects of their world, from work to family to general well-being. This phrase shows that you care about how things are going in their corner of the world.
Example:
In their project meeting, Karen looked around at her colleagues and asked, “How’s everything on your end? Any challenges we should address as a team?”
6. What’s the Latest with You? (Upbeat and Informal)
A lively and upbeat way of asking about someone’s current state, “What’s the latest with you?” is perfect when you want to catch up quickly and know what’s been happening recently. It conveys a sense of enthusiasm for their news or updates.
Example:
At the coffee shop, Lisa leaned in and said, “What’s the latest with you? You look like you’ve got some great stories to share!”
7. How Are Things Rolling for You? (Casual and Easy-going)
“How are things rolling for you?” is a more laid-back greeting that implies a relaxed curiosity about someone’s day or life. It’s perfect for casual interactions, especially when you want to avoid being too formal or direct.
Example:
As they were grabbing lunch, Jake asked his friend, “How are things rolling for you lately? Anything exciting on the horizon?”
Read This Blog: 20 Other Ways to Say “How Was Your Day” (See Examples)
8. What’s Been Happening in Your World? (Personal and Intimate)
This greeting invites someone to share the significant (or even mundane) events in their life. “What’s been happening in your world?” adds a personal touch and implies that you’re open to hearing about whatever the person is comfortable sharing.
Example:
During their monthly dinner, Mia asked her sister, “What’s been happening in your world? I feel like we haven’t caught up properly in ages.”
9. How’s Life Treating You These Days? (Empathetic and Concerned)
A compassionate and empathetic way to check in, “How’s life treating you these days?” is great when you know the person has been through a lot or if they’ve been dealing with something challenging.
This phrase expresses a genuine desire to know how things are going emotionally or mentally for them.
Example:
Noticing her friend seemed down, Emma gently asked, “How’s life treating you these days? You seem a little stressed.”
10. What’s Cooking in Your Neck of the Woods? (Quirky and Conversational)
For a more quirky and light-hearted greeting, ask “What’s cooking in your neck of the woods?” This adds a playful tone and invites a more relaxed conversation. It’s great for informal, friendly exchanges where you want to keep the mood light.
Example:
During a Zoom call, John asked his colleague, “What’s cooking in your neck of the woods? Got any fun plans this weekend?”
11. How’s the Universe Treating You? (Philosophical and Broad)
If you want to take a slightly more philosophical or humorous approach, “How’s the universe treating you?” can be a fun, wide-ranging way to ask someone how they’re doing. It opens up the conversation to everything from fate to destiny, or simply how things are going in their life.
Example:
After a yoga class, the instructor asked the group, “How’s the universe treating you today? Any interesting synchronicities?”
12. What’s the Good Word? (Friendly and Laid-back)
“What’s the good word?” is a casual, upbeat greeting that adds a bit of fun to a conversation. It’s often used between friends who want to keep things light and friendly.
Example:
At the coffee shop, Sarah greeted her friend with a warm smile and asked, “What’s the good word? Anything exciting happening?”
13. How’s Your Day Shaping Up? (Casual and Relaxed)
A relaxed greeting, “How’s your day shaping up?” asks someone about how their day has been going so far. It’s a nice way to show interest in their present moment without sounding overly formal.
Example:
As they met for lunch, Lisa asked, “How’s your day shaping up? Anything good happening this morning?”
14. How’s the World Been Spinning for You? (Creative and Fun)
If you want to add a bit of whimsy to your greeting, “How’s the world been spinning for you?” is a creative way to ask someone about the ups and downs in their life. It feels light-hearted while still showing genuine interest.
Example:
On a casual phone call, Tom said, “How’s the world been spinning for you? Any new adventures?”
Read This Blog: 11 Other Ways to Say “God Bless You” (See Examples)
15. What’s Been Cracking? (Chill and Informal)
For a laid-back approach, “What’s been cracking?” is a relaxed, friendly greeting often used among peers. It’s perfect for checking in with someone without diving into anything too serious.
Example:
After bumping into an old friend, Mike grinned and said, “What’s been cracking? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
16. What’s Been Going on in Your Corner of the World? (Curious and Personal)
“What’s been going on in your corner of the world?” is a unique and more intimate way to ask about someone’s life. It emphasizes that you’re interested in their specific experiences and how they’re handling things in their personal space.
Example:
At the family reunion, Aunt Mary asked her niece, “What’s been going on in your corner of the world? How’s school going?”
17. How Are You Holding Up? (Supportive and Compassionate)
If you know someone has been going through a tough time, “How are you holding up?” is a sensitive and supportive way to check in on their well-being. It shows empathy and a willingness to listen.
Example:
After hearing about her friend’s breakup, Laura texted, “How are you holding up? I’m here if you need to talk.”
18. What’s the Vibe with You Lately? (Upbeat and Modern)
For a more modern and upbeat way to ask how someone’s doing, “What’s the vibe with you lately?” is perfect. It’s casual and friendly, focusing on how someone is feeling right now.
Example:
During their weekly phone call, Emma asked, “What’s the vibe with you lately? You sound extra energized!”
19. What’s the Scoop? (Casual and Investigative)
When you want to know the latest information or updates, “What’s the scoop?” is a fun and informal way to ask. It implies that you’re curious and ready to hear all the details.
Example:
At the dinner party, Anna asked her friend, “What’s the scoop? Have you heard any juicy news lately?”
20. How’s Life in Your Neck of the Woods? (Local and Friendly)
A warm, familiar greeting, “How’s life in your neck of the woods?” is perfect for when you want to check in with someone about how things are going in their specific location or environment.
Example:
During their casual phone chat, Tim asked, “How’s life in your neck of the woods? Any fun events coming up?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use alternative greetings like “How the Devil Are You?”
Using creative greetings can make conversations more engaging and fun. It can break the ice and show that you’re genuinely interested in the other person’s well-being.
Are these greetings appropriate for all occasions?
Most of these greetings are casual and informal. They are best suited for friends, family, or acquaintances in relaxed settings. For more formal occasions, it’s better to stick with traditional greetings.
Can I use these greetings in professional settings?
Some of these greetings, like “How have you been faring?” or “How’s everything on your end?”, are suitable for professional settings, especially when you want to maintain a more casual but thoughtful tone.
Conclusion
Mixing up your greetings with fun and creative alternatives to “How the Devil Are You?” can make your conversations feel more personal and engaging.
Whether you’re catching up with an old friend or chatting with a colleague, these 20 other ways to ask how someone is can keep things fresh, light, and interesting.
From quirky phrases to formal expressions, these greetings allow you to convey genuine interest while adding personality to your conversations. So, next time you’re about to ask someone how they’re doing, try one of these new phrases and see how it brightens their day!

David is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing.