how’s tricks: Idiom Meaning and Origin

One of the commonly used idiomatic expressions in English is "how's tricks". This phrase is often used in casual conversations to inquire about someone's current situation or well-being.

The exact origin of this idiom is unknown, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that "how's tricks" may have originated from the world of circus performers and magicians. In these circles, "trick" refers to a specific act or performance. Therefore, inquiring about "tricks" could be a way of asking about someone's current repertoire or how well their performances are going.

Another theory is that the expression came from the entertainment industry in general. "Tricks" in this context may refer to the various gimmicks or techniques performers used to captivate their audiences. Hence, when asking "how's tricks", one could be inquiring about the success or effectiveness of someone's methods or strategies in any given field.

A third possibility is that "tricks" originated from the gambling world. In card games, a "trick" refers to a specific round of play where each player plays one card. By extension, "how's tricks" could be a way of asking about someone's luck or fortunes in gambling or any other ventures involving an element of chance.

Despite these theories, the true etymology of "how's tricks" remains uncertain. The idiom has become entrenched in informal speech and has found its way into various literary works and popular culture references. In contemporary usage, it is primarily seen as a friendly, colloquial way of asking about someone's general well-being or current state of affairs.

how goes it? This is another idiom used to ask about someone's current situation. It is similar to "how's tricks" in that it seeks to inquire about someone's well-being. Both idioms have a friendly and informal tone, making them suitable for casual conversations.

what's up? This is another common expression used to ask about someone's current state or situation. It is often used as a casual greeting or as a way to initiate conversation. Like "how's tricks" and "how goes it", "what's up" is informal in nature and implies a friendly and conversational tone.

how are you? This is a more straightforward and traditional way of asking about someone's well-being. It is a common phrase used in greetings and everyday conversation. While it lacks the informal and colloquial tone of "how's tricks", "how goes it", or "what's up", it is still a widely recognized and accepted way of inquiring about someone's current state or situation.

how's the weather? This phrase is often used as a conversation starter or icebreaker. It is a way of engaging in small talk and showing an interest in the immediate surroundings or environment. While it is not directly related to the idiom "how's tricks", it is another example of a casual and friendly inquiry about someone's current circumstances.

"how's tricks" is a versatile and widely used idiom in both American and British English. Its exact origin is uncertain, but theories suggest that it may have originated from the world of entertainers, the entertainment industry in general, or the gambling world. Regardless of its origins, "how's tricks" has become a popular and enduring expression used to connect with others and inquire about their well-being or current situation.