No problem
No problem is an English expression, used as a response to thanks (among other functions). It is regarded by some as a less formal alternative to you're welcome, which shares the same function. It is similar to the Australian English expression no worries. The phrase is used in most of the United States, especially on the East Coast of the United States.
Some older people find the expression, particularly when employed in the service industry, to be rude, implying that a reasonable request could have been received as problematic or unwelcome. However, in the culture of younger Americans, no problem is often used as a more conversational alternative to you're welcome.
It is widely believed that younger speakers especially favor no problem over you're welcome, and empirical research has corroborated this belief.[1]
See also
References
- Dinkin, Aaron (2016), It's no problem to be polite: Apparent-time change in responses to thanks (PDF), NWAV 45, Vancouver, B.C.
- Andor, József (2008). No Problem (PDF). UPRT 2008: Empirical Studies in English Applied Linguistics. pp. 153–164. ISBN 978-963-642-300-1.
- Brenner, Gail (September 23, 2011). Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780764524776.
- McKean, Erin (November 29, 2009). "The un-welcome - What's the problem with 'no problem'?". The Boston Globe.
- Richardson, Kristen (November 10, 2011). "My Problem with 'No Problem': It's Destroying Civility". The New York Observer.
- Schneider, Klaus P. (2005). No problem, you're welcome, anytime: Responding to thanks in Ireland, England, and the USA. The Pragmatics of Irish English. pp. 101–139. ISBN 3110184699.
- Tucker, Maria (January 29, 2009). "Here's the problem: 'No problem' is replacing 'You're welcome'". McClatchy Newspapers.
