Buzz
First impressions matter, so why stick to the mundane when you can use creative greetings to make a lasting connection? Ditch the usual hello and opt for one of these engaging alternatives.
1. What’s the craic?
This is how people in Ireland ask, 'What’s up?' The term craic (pronounced 'crack') refers to news, gossip, recent events, or plans for fun.
2. How’s it hopping?
Stay effortlessly stylish with this expression, a late 19th-century slang term meaning 'How’s it going?'
3. Ahoy
Had Alexander Graham Bell gotten his wish, 'ahoy' would have been our go-to greeting instead of 'hello.' | Heritage Images/GettyImagesInject some playful energy by channeling your inner pirate. (Did you know? Inventor Alexander Graham Bell preferred ahoy as the telephone greeting, but hello gained popularity largely due to Thomas Edison.)
4. [Hat Tip]
Embrace a quiet, dignified approach by skipping words altogether and simply tipping your hat. (Removing your hat entirely when greeting someone is called hatting.)
5. Ciao
Swap 'hello' for 'ciao' to add some flair. | Enzo D./Moment Open/Getty ImagesWant to sound worldly and warm? Use ciao, a versatile term for both greetings and farewells. For an extra touch, add a kiss on each cheek.
6. Chello!
Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang is puzzled by this ’80s slang term, which might be a playful twist on hello or a nod to ciao.
7. Wotchero!
A British slang term for hello that originated in the 18th century, evolving from wotcher, a Cockney greeting used centuries earlier.
8. S.P.D.S.V.B.E.E.V.
Looking to give your letters a Latin flair? Start with this abbreviation for Salute plurimam dicit. Si vales, bene est, ego valeo, translating to, 'Many greetings. If you’re well, that’s good, and I’m well too.'
9. Salutations
Impress with your eloquence using this refined greeting, which has been in use since the 14th century.
10. Howdy
This dog isn’t just greeting—it’s saying howdy! | cuppyuppycake/Moment/Getty ImagesKeep it laid-back, partner, or go all out with a formal Howdydo. The term howdy comes from the 16th-century phrase how-do-ye, which has since fallen out of use.
11. Aloha
Add a touch of tropical warmth to your greetings with the Hawaiian tradition. Aloha, meaning love, was first adopted as a greeting in 1820.
12. Namaste
This greeting originates from the Sanskrit phrase meaning “I bow to you.”
13. How’s tricks?
This charming phrase is sure to bring a smile—it may have nautical roots, but The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English suggests it’s more likely tied to card games.
14. Breaker, Breaker
Use this classic CB radio greeting. | Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesStart your chat like a seasoned trucker on a CB radio.
15. Howzit?
This abbreviated form of how is it? originated in 1935.
16. Cheerio!
This cheerful greeting traces its roots back to the 15th century, when people would ask 'what cheer?' or 'what cheer with you?' when meeting others. Over time, it evolved into cheero, commonly used on ships for greetings or to grab attention. By the early 20th century, cheerio became the popular version.
17. Honk honk!
Honk honk! | Matt Cardy/GettyImagesA British expression imitating the sound of a goose, used both as a greeting and a goodbye; it first appeared in the 1830s.
18. How are you diddling?
This casual greeting emerged directly from 1970s slang.
19. Gratulation
During the 16th and 17th centuries, gratulation referred to 'a joyful greeting,' as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary.
20. Coucou
French offers numerous options for saying 'hello,' but when addressing close friends or family, choose salut, quoi de neuf, or coucou, all of which are more casual than bonjour.
This article originally appeared in 2014 and has been refreshed for 2023.
