No Problem
Am I one of the few people bothered by the epidemic replacement of the phrase "You're welcome" with "No problem"? One hardly hears a sincerely meant response to thanks any more. Instead, when you thank someone for service provided, the response is "No problem". Where did this phrase come from, and when did it creep in and subititute itself for the more polite "You're welcome"?
To tell someone there is no problem, means there might have been a problem or there could be a problem, but you are ignoring your rights to protest.
"Mr. Brown, we stopped your car because this is a checkpoint for drivers who might be driving under the influence. Do you mind stepping out of the car and walking a straight line?" "No probleemo, Ossifer."
"Mr. Jones, in order to cash your $2.00 check, I will need to see your ID and five credit cards." "Reeely!Well then, no problem."
"Son, before I can let you date my daughter, you are going to have to show me documentation you are disease free." "No problem, sir."
"Heel, Killer! Down boy! Sir, our drug dog has keyed in on this bag. Do you mind if we search it? Killer, down!" "Keep it away from me! Errrrrr, no problem!"
I can see using the no problem response in situations where the service provided was above and beyond the call of duty. "Joe, I certainly appreciate your coming in on your day off and tearing the engine of my car apart in order to fix it, but then to only charge me for parts... well you have my undying thanks and gratitude." "No problem. (And I hope this gets me to first, second, and third bases and home plate when I ask you out)".
Several years ago, I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was a work-related event, and the hotel had just opened. One afternoon, I asked one of their employees to direct me to the location of my next meeting. The hotel employee guided me within sight of the meeting room, and when I thanked her, her respoonse was, "It was my pleasure." I commented on the politeness of her response, and she told me all of their employees had been trained to respond in that manner to a thank you. What a neat way to say, "You're welcome" as opposed to "No problem".
It was my pleasure to write today's blog, and it created no problem with me to write it. You're welcome to read and enjoy it as many times as you wish.
To tell someone there is no problem, means there might have been a problem or there could be a problem, but you are ignoring your rights to protest.
"Mr. Brown, we stopped your car because this is a checkpoint for drivers who might be driving under the influence. Do you mind stepping out of the car and walking a straight line?" "No probleemo, Ossifer."
"Mr. Jones, in order to cash your $2.00 check, I will need to see your ID and five credit cards." "Reeely!Well then, no problem."
"Son, before I can let you date my daughter, you are going to have to show me documentation you are disease free." "No problem, sir."
"Heel, Killer! Down boy! Sir, our drug dog has keyed in on this bag. Do you mind if we search it? Killer, down!" "Keep it away from me! Errrrrr, no problem!"
I can see using the no problem response in situations where the service provided was above and beyond the call of duty. "Joe, I certainly appreciate your coming in on your day off and tearing the engine of my car apart in order to fix it, but then to only charge me for parts... well you have my undying thanks and gratitude." "No problem. (And I hope this gets me to first, second, and third bases and home plate when I ask you out)".
Several years ago, I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was a work-related event, and the hotel had just opened. One afternoon, I asked one of their employees to direct me to the location of my next meeting. The hotel employee guided me within sight of the meeting room, and when I thanked her, her respoonse was, "It was my pleasure." I commented on the politeness of her response, and she told me all of their employees had been trained to respond in that manner to a thank you. What a neat way to say, "You're welcome" as opposed to "No problem".
It was my pleasure to write today's blog, and it created no problem with me to write it. You're welcome to read and enjoy it as many times as you wish.
posted by The Joker at 9:22 AM
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