When Fine Isn't

In many contexts, “fine” is an indication of a superior product: fine food, wine, linens, china, crystal and jewelry. How odd that this word gets so badly distorted in conversation. This one word answer, to the question, “How are you doing?”, often means the person responding is far from fine. When curtly or unenthusiastically delivered, it can be evasive, meaning “I’m upset” or “I just don’t want to talk about it” or “I don’t think you really want to know”.