Why do Aamericans say have a nice day?

Question

do you actually care if i have a nice day.

I have just realised that i have spelt Americans with two A's but i cant edit the question.

Answer 1

nah but lets face it, it is better then the english grunting and making it clear they dont give a toss what happens when we leave their shop!

Answer 2

It has become a standard way of saying bye with being more friendly. some mean it yes, most just say it because it is instintual as waving good bye.

i doubt they mean disrespect, but they also are not always being sincere either, especially in retail sales, THEY sort to have to smile and have a nice day. It goes with the job profile the fake smile and hello's.

but as I said, some people do truly mean it when they say it, i feel you can tell by the tone of their voice and look in their eye. That is when i know if it is sincere or not..

Answer 3

I work as a receptionist and I'll bet "have a nice day!" comes out of my mouth at least 20 times a day. I really do care and hope they do have a nice day. It's just being polite. Is there something wrong with wishing some one a pleasant day?

Answer 4

It's considered polite. To be perfectly honest, I thought everyone with good manners said it.

I do believe that most people want other people to have a nice day. Saying it doesn't always make it happen, but it can make people feel better. I'm not certain if everyone cares or not when they say it, but there are many who do.

Answer 5

I actually DO mean it when I say it. I'd be a sociopath if I wished others to "have a sh*tty day." If everyone else is having a nice day, chances are, they are less surly, less likely to snap at me, more tolerant, and more apt to be pleasant. Why wouldn't I want that?

I suppose I could be more like a French salesclerk or a shopgirl at Harrods and glare at customers when they dare to enter my department and interrupt my personal conversation, when they have the audacity to hand me money, and when they are naive enough to hope I would ever smile or indicate that I'm pleased to have their business.

Answer 6

Its a polite way to end a conversation. I found it odd when I first moved to Bermuda (they say have a nice day too) but it is second nature now. Do I mean it, yup sure do although when I am back in England I do get a few strange looks when I wish shopkeepers a nice day.

Answer 7

I don't know but it is gaining ground over here, as is miss you already. Actually I can say both things and let people know I mean the exact opposite in the same why as I can use Sir and Madam and let them be aware I mean something else and knowing that they will look ridiculous if they complain.

Answer 8

Usually it's just an exit line...

Oh, how much better we as a people would be if when we said have a nice day, we actually cared enough for each other that we truly meant our words...

WOW, what a concept!

Answer 9

It started in 1966 and caught on because it changed the person's outlook for the remainder of the day.

Answer 10

i dunno it was just the way i was raised..sales people say it to me and i say it to them..i never really thought about it..i suppose i do wish that people have good days because i like to have good days myself. i think alot of people say it without realizing it (i do that in resteraunts..when the hostess says "enjoy ur meal" i always reply "u 2" even though she isnt eating!! habit i guess haha ) and some people dont even notice it..but i bet if instead of saying have a nice day u said "go f*ck urself" then alot more people would pay attention...DONT DO THAT PEOPLE!!! just smile and stay polite..everyone likes politeness

p.s have a nice day :)

Answer 11

do you realize that if every single person in the world had a nice day, what a wonderful place it would be to live in for everyone.