If I do something for you that is entirely within my job description(e.g.put your groceries in a bag) and you say thanks, my answer should be "You're welcome." If I do something for you that you didn't expect (e.g. change your flat tire as I'm passing by) and you thank me, I could say "no problem" (if I didn't think it was a problem).
2006-07-05 05:30:03 · 6 answers · asked by shelbyO 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
There are several languages and cultures which have an expression corresponding to "No problem" that they use when someone thanks them. The intention is to let the person know that the service performed did not require much effort and hence does not necessitate a formal thanks. In other words, it is a way for the person performing the charitable act to express humility. And since someone is more likely to feel that what they are doing is less deserving of a thanks when it is part of their job, they're more likely to respond with "No problem." After all, loading grocery bags isn't terribly problematic. Besides, it's their job, not a charitable act they performed by choice.
There are plenty of other English expressions that have been used in the past in response to "thank you," some of which express the same thing:
"It's my pleasure."
"It's nothing, really."
"Just doing my duty, ma'am."
"Anything for a friend in need."
Likewise, there are many different ways to give thanks. "Thank you" is not the only polite way:
"I'm so grateful!"
"Many thanks."
"Much appreciated."
"Much obliged."
Perhaps rather than fixating on the literal meaning of wording they use, you should concentrate on the intention of their wording as well as upon the deed they have just performed.
2006-07-05 05:50:44 · answer #1 · answered by magistra_linguae 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's just a figure of speech. They are acknowledging that they were happy to do it for you. I seriously doubt they are trying to be offensive. Be more concerned about the ones who are rude and say nothing.
2006-07-10 21:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by Brenna100 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know when it started, but I don't like hearing it. It always suggests to me that whatever I did was a problem in some way (and they are insisting it wasn't)! 'You're welcome' is much better, I hear it infrequently now.
2006-07-05 12:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the french expression for your welcome roughly translates to "it was nothing". the expression no problem just means it was no problem for me to do that for you... like no trouble.
2006-07-05 12:40:09 · answer #4 · answered by miami_chef 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dunho but i love saying that. no problem.
2006-07-05 13:24:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
LAZINESS.
2006-07-09 03:41:07 · answer #6 · answered by reme_1 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋