15 Terrific Alternatives to “Hello” – Vocabulary
First impressions are important, so why be boring when there are so many other ways to greet a person and forge a unique connection. Celebrate World Hello Day by trying out a new salutation.
1. WHAT’S THE CRAIC?
How they say “What’s up?” in Ireland. The craic (pronounced “crack”) is the news, gossip, latest goings-on, or the fun times to be planned.
2. HOW HOPS IT?
Be classically cool with this late 19th-century slang for “How’s it going?”
3. AHOY
Add a little jaunty excitement by getting into pirate mode.
4. [HAT TIP]
Be the strong, silent type and forgo words entirely with an elegant tip of your hat.
5. THERE HE/SHE IS!
Make someone feel like the man or the woman of the hour.
6. CIAO
Feeling friendly and cosmopolitan? Ciao will set the mood. Add a kiss on each cheek for authenticity.
7. S.P.D.S.V.B.E.E.V.
Want to write a letter with a classical Latin feel? Open with this abbreviation for Salute plurimam dicit. Si vales, bene est, ego valeo. “Many greetings. If you’re well, then that’s good, and I’m well too.”
8. SALUTATIONS
Show off your verbal dexterity with this gentleman’s greeting.
9. GREETINGS
Or keep it simple and use the word that means just what it says.
10. HOWDY
Keep it casual, cowpoke, or get fancier with a full-on Howdydo?
11. ALOHA
Bring a little mellow sunshine to your interactions by greeting the Hawaiian way.
12. NAMASTE
Start with a show of respect. This peaceful greeting comes from the Sanskrit for “I bow to you.”
13. HOW’S TRICKS?
You’ve got to smile when you dust off this gem from the 1920s.
14. BREAKER, BREAKER
Open the conversation like a trucker on a CB radio.
15. WELL, LOOK AT YOU!
Reminiscent of the sweet way your grandma used to express how impressed she was with you. Why not spread the love around with this opening?
