(idiomatic) An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. In form a question, and thus followed by a question mark. Typical responses include.
I'm very well, thank you. How are you? (formal)I'm fine, thank you. / Fine, thanks. (informal) / Fine, and you? (informal)
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(idiomatic, Ireland) (Following a noun phrase; stress on are) An expression of derision, that the preceding referent is unworthy of the name. In form of an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation mark.
1967 July 20: [https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1967-07-20/26/ Questions. Oral Answers. — Free Travel for Old Age Pensioners.] Dáil Éireann debates
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.