Page 566 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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so-and-so; so-so
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so-and-so
This informal expression is used when one cannot remember a name. What's happened to old so-and-so? (= ••• what's his name?)
It can also replace a swearword or an insult. She's an old so-and-so.
so-so
This informal expression means 'neither good nor bad.' Howareyoufeeling?- So-so. (NOT .•• 56a'MS6.J Was the concert any good?-So-so.
·social' language
Every language has fixed expressions which are used on particular social occasions - for example when people meet, leave each other, go on a journey, sit down to meals and so on. Here are some of the most important English expressions of this kind.
introductions
Common ways of introducing strangers to each other are:
John, do you know Helen? Helen, this is my friend John. Sally. I don't think you've met Elaine.
I don't think you two know each other, do you? Can/May I introduce John Willis? (more formal)
When people are introduced, they usually say How do you do? (formal), Hello, or Hi (informal). Americans often say How are you? Note that How do you do? is not a question, and the normal reply is How do you do? (It does not mean the same, in British English, as How are you?) Another possible response is Glad! Pleased to meet you.
People who are introduced often shake hands. For the use of first names. surnames and titles. see 363.
greetings
When meeting people (formal):
(Good) morning!afternoon!evening.
When meeting people (informal): Hello. Hi. (very informal)
When leaving people:
Good morning!afternoon!evening. (very formal, unusual)
Goodnight. Goodbye.
Bye. (informal) Bye-bye. Coften used to and by children)
Cheers. (informal - British only) Take care. (informal)
See you. (informal) See you later I tomorrow I next week etc. (informal) It was nice to meet I meeting you.
Note that Good day is very unusual, and Goodnight is used only when leaving people, not when meeting them.
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