I'm 52. When I was young, when aked "how are you" we said "fine. NowadyasKids answer "good".

Question

When did that change? And I wonder why. Check it out!

Answer 1

Because of all the different languages and break down of languages now being introduced to our society. Everyone is creating or using their own variation of the English language.
There are both huge up and downs about this but in the end there really is no fighting it just excepting it.
Life is about change, right?

Answer 2

I've gotten flack for saying "fine", and "sure" because they are not definitive answers. Saying that one is fine gives the feeling that maybe things aren't so fine, where as saying one is good is a real answer without question of if they are really good. Sure indicates the same thing, a non definitive answer to any question. Example: "Do you want to go out to eat?" "Sure." Why would someone not say "yes" or "no"? Saying "sure" makes it seem like the person is agreeing but not really into the idea.
And I'm a 32 year old dating a 57 year old who hates it when I say fine and sure (which out of habit, I do) so maybe it's not an age thing. Maybe it's just your perspective, or upbringing, much like mine.

Answer 3

You are right. I always said"Pretty good." and I still catch myself saying it at times. Overtime I have learned to give a more positive answer. Like when someone asks, I'll say"Awesome! How are you?" Alot of times I get a funny look because I guess it is not a normal thing to hear from someone. Which is kind of sad. Why should we look at it as out of the ordinary to be having an awesome day? Just trying to spread the positive energy.

Answer 4

There actually many ways people respond to things now...I think a lot of it may have to do with generation. I would say because people choose not to use proper grammer and slang is huge. I hardly seem to hear "good" anymore. I hear alright, ok...and it gets worse...such as: straight, aight...Now-a-days some kids aren't even sayin "How are you"...they are starting to say things such as: "whats good wit you?" and "What it do?". Though if this is the way people feel they want to express themselves...To each their own.

I am 23 and when someone asks me..."How are you"...I tend to say "I'm well, thank you!" or "I have had better days".

Answer 5

I'm 21 and I still say "fine" and "ok". Both "good" and "fine" seem to be a system of value and status at least to me. As long as it translates I don't care how improper something is. All terminology is subject to change with the modern culture.

Answer 6

I like the fact that both "fine" and "good" are positive answers. By the way, I'm doing quite well. Thank you.

Answer 7

Depending on the person asking will depend on my response...although I do make an effort to say "I'm doing well, thank you, and how are you?"

Granted, I guess at nearly 34 I can't exactly be called a kid anymore.

Answer 8

I'm in my late 30's ... and I would answer "fine."

For what it's worth, in the article below, they specifically say that "good" is an incorrect usage when asked, "How are you?"

http://www.ehow.com/how_117277_fix-misuse-word.html

So, let's all shake our fists in unison at those young whipper snappers ... cause they're wrong! Just wrong!

Answer 9

Because almost no one uses proper English these days.
Good is supposed to be used when talking about food and fine was for talking about health. Another one I find that is incorrect is when "good" is used for "well".

Answer 10

I'm 60, when I was young we answered by saying"Fine thank you, and you, sir?"
Different strokes for different generations.
We also wore white gloves and hats.