TeamCushman

When did the phrase “no problem” take the place of “Thank you”?  I’ve noticed this for quite a while now, but it seems to be getting worse.  Of course that depends on your perspective.  There is going to come a day where they teach our kids their “Please and No Problems” in kindergarten.  No thank you!  I didn’t get this memo, nor do I want it.  This is not about slang or shorter version of saying thank you.  Either phrase is two words.  “Thank you” has 8 letters, the other 9, so we aren’t saving anytime.  So, what does this phrase really mean?  While I hear it being used as a replacement for thank you, I have also heard it as a replacement for “ok” or “sorry” or “pardon me” or even “sure”.  Sooner or later, it will become the new shalom or even aloha.  Perhaps its even the new generation’s shibboleth.  Now, I’m showing my age, but still don’t get it, nor do I want to.  Each generation has their own.  Growing up, we had our “Whatever!”  At the risk of sounding like my father, I can do without it.  I even will say its rude.  Would I rather people not say anything at all? sure, no problem.