spell/spelling

Receptionist: And your name please, sir?
Man: My name is Stephens. Edward Stephens.
Receptionist: And how are you spelling that, sir?


Is it OK to use the progressive form there?

It would be correct do say "How do you spell that?" The progressive form would be be inappropriate.

We had a topic discussing that some months ago... I wouldn't say it's entirely inappropriate. Unusual, perhaps, at least here in the U.S., but I think it's occasionally heard. I certainly prefer "How do you spell that, sir?", or maybe "How would you spell that, sir?"

- Kef

I wonder if this is a troll that knew about the previous topic...

It's appropriate in Britain when, for example, a name has more than one spelling - as in the above.

Normally used by telephone operators and the like.