What it means
A classic South African greeting that folds hello, how are you, and what's going on into one easy hit. Most of the time it's not a real question and nobody's gearing up for a full life update. It's just warm, casual social glue you can throw at mates, coworkers, neighbours, or the guy at the gate.
Usage examples
"Walked into the office Monday morning and every single person hit me with a howzit before I put my bag down. Had to howzit back twelve times before my desk."
"Howzit, my bru, long time, you keeping well? Come, let's grab a coffee and catch up properly."
"He greets the whole rugby club with one big howzit and somehow remembers every single name."
"Howzit, china, you coming through later or are you ghosting us again?"
"Pulled up at the braai and got a full chorus of howzit before I even closed the car door."
Where it comes from
It comes from how is it, clipped and blended in South African English until it landed as howzit. That squeezed-up form has been around for ages in everyday speech, especially in South Africa, where it stuck as a fast, friendly all-purpose greeting instead of a literal question.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Mischievous Vine Climber Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?