Learn English – Is the question/greeting “How’re you going?” correct usage

colloquialismsformalitygreetings

I was just wondering if the question/greeting "How're you going?" is correct usage? I know it's more prevalent in Australia because I live here and have heard it very often. I guess the American version is "How're you doing?", but I'm not sure.

I'm assuming all these are very informal in their usage.

Any insights would be great.

Best Answer

All right. Turns out, it is a greeting, after all! Perhaps quintessential AusE (Australia & New Zealand).

Jim Nicolson, Long Creek, 2010, p.145 (GoogleBooks) (emphasis added)

(From the Preface): The principal settings are two cattle runs (ranches) in Australia's Northern Territory … In 1947, Darwin's population was 2,538 …
…
"G'day, Murranji," he called out. "I thought you were still over at the River." "Yeah? How're you going, young feller?" "Good."
…
"No way Jack'd miss the races and a chance to catch up with old mates. How're you going, Jack?" Brian called out. "Not bad. An' how're yer drinkin', fellers? Left any beer in O'Hara's?"

See also:

  • Ron Player, Under Different Skies, 2010 (GoogleBooks)
    (Setting: Narrow Neck Beach, Auckland, New Zealand) Note the author's remark, "That was a pretty normal greeting in those days." about "G'day, Allan, how're you going?" (p.24)

  • Jan Eriksen, Goldmine Experience, 2013 (GoogleBooks)

  • Di Morrissey, The Islands, 2008, p.535 (GoogleBooks)

Plus
D.H. Lawrence, The Primrose Path, in "England, My England":

‘And how’re you going on, lad?’

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