Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. a state of excitement, pleasure or fear.

1943		R. Llewellyn None But the Lonely Heart 120: He’s sitting there looking very how’s your father, ain’t he? He’s afraid to go back and tell His Ma He’s sacked.
2002		D. Shaw ‘Dead Beard’ at www.asstr.org 🌐 When I look up it’s a surprise to see her cheeks are snow and slushed. I wouldn’t have reckoned I was doing anything yet to put her into a how’s-your-father.

2. (N.Z.) a fight.

2002		J. Cameron Hell on Hoe Street 74: Ramzan was tall and kind of wispy [...] Not a lot of assist in a spot of howsyourfather.
2003		McGill Reed Dict. of N.Z. Sl.