This phrase is a rote reply at restaurants when I ask for water, a fork, a napkin or a menu.
I know it's a common phrase, but why not say something positive like, "Absolutely" or "My pleasure"?
Anybody else have a problem with "No Problem"?
If not, why?
.
2006-10-03 13:32:03 · 17 answers · asked by Ignoramus 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
10-4-2006
I'm having a tough time picking best answer. I like what angeleyes, Dr. Evil and SallyBean say. I like some of the other answers, too.
I'm having a problem deciding which I like best.
angeleyes makes a good point. My pleasure can be insincere. I don't want that.
Still, a positive, affirming answer seems more satisfying.
"Not a problem," I think is meant to be a relaxed answer. It's certainly better than some alternatives like:
"Not a nuisance."
"Not an annoyance."
or
"Yes, your holiness."
I think "Not a problem" can be used appropriately, such as when you're asking for something special.
And it's most annoying when I have to ask for a menu, "Not a problem" seems a little slack in an already slack situation.
At any rate, I know I'm not going to change the world. Not a problem, will remain My problem.
Thanks for all the answers.
2006-10-04 01:52:03 · update #1
I'm not sure how I feel about that phrase. As an American, I can understand the subconscious bid for egalitarianism in it. As a customer, though, I like it when I receive more enthusiastic service than that. So, I suppose I am ambivalent about it. Mostly though, I think it is unconsciously done, and prefer to overlook it.
2006-10-03 13:56:51 · answer #1 · answered by gburgmommy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm...well, my first reaction was to say that I think you need to relax a little bit. But the more I think about it, the more I see your point. It does seem kind of annoying.
Here's one I have a problem with - when you call someplace and the person interrupts you before you can even finish saying what you're saying (that's the first thing). Secondly, they say "hold on". I hate that. How about, "Sure, one moment please."
2006-10-03 20:54:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It must have been in some movie a few years ago and everyone started saying it. Well, not everyone. Some people retain some originality and don't parrot everything they hear.
2006-10-03 20:33:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no problem with it.
I do customer service training and usually, like you say, we encourage them to use positive phrases like 'certainly' or 'sure', but I also find customers like to hear 'no problem', so it is certainly on the 'allowed' list.
2006-10-03 20:35:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not have a problem with it. At Chick-fil-a, they say "my pleasure", which sounds quite insincere.
Of course "not a problem" or "no problem" may also sound good to me because I live in Houston, where we're sick of hearing "Houston, we have a problem!"
2006-10-04 02:08:59 · answer #5 · answered by marsminute 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it implies that there could be a problem, but the person saying it is about to resolve it.
2006-10-04 05:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by thrag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a problem with it. You are correct; it implies some unseen negativity, such as:
"Not a problem, but definitely an irritation".
Or "Not a problem, but I'd rather be flossing my toes."
2006-10-03 20:46:19 · answer #7 · answered by x 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually, I like no prob better that absolutely or my pleasure.
Just because of the way it sounds I guess.
2006-10-03 20:40:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Those words are music to my ears! I hate problems.
2006-10-04 01:37:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothig is wrong with it it just signifies that u will be going through no trouble at all to satisfy your guest
2006-10-03 20:34:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋