Why Do People Say "No Problem" in Response to "Thank You"?
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It would be difficult to say precisely when the response "No problem" first entered the public vernacular, but its use (or more precisely, overuse, has been a point of contention among etiquette and grammar experts for decades. Some have no problem with a "no problem" response during an informal exchange, while others believe it is far too casual to be an acceptable response to a gracious "thank you."
As far as why many people prefer "no problem" to more formal responses could be a matter of habit and age. Older people tend to respond to an expression of thanks with more traditional phrases such as "you're welcome" or "my pleasure." These response reflect a certain humility on the part of the person being thanked. The person offering thanks is grateful for the service performed by the one being thanked, and a gracious "you're welcome" acknowledges the gratitude.
Younger people often tend to offer alternative responses when thanked, especially during less formal situations. By saying "no problem," the recipient of the gratitude is actually saying "this act or service did not inconvenience me in any way." The difference is subtle, but for some people "no problem" puts slightly more emphasis on the recipient's personal welfare. A ticket agent who provides an airplane ticket for a customer, for example, is only performing one of his or her normal tasks. If the customer says "thank you," a more formal "you're welcome" would be considered more appropriate than "no problem."
Some people compound this grammatical and social dilemma by offering even more informal responses such as "no prob" or the pseudo-Spanish "no problemo." While the sentiment might be perfectly acceptable, the informality could definitely be seen as inappropriate to the occasion. Some etiquette and grammar experts would prefer to see the complete eradication of "no problem" from the popular vernacular, but others believe it is not as offensive as other possible responses or even non-responses.
So for the foreseeable future, it would be perfectly acceptable to issue a "no problem" in response to a friend's informal expression of thanks, but avoid using it during more formal or professional situations.
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14
"But my question to lightspeed would be, why do I need to change? Why don't you just do it the same way as me? Why don't you change?"
'Why do I have to change, why don't you change?' Well that's -- selfish. You don't have to change and say it yourself, just accept the fact that some people, particularly young people, say it. - anon53160
12
I have a problem with people that don't like the "no problem" response. Makes me think you are uptight and unpleasant to be around. If I hand you 20 dollars and you say "thank you" and I say "no problem" are you going to complain about my response when I just gave you 20 bucks? Or if I rake leaves off your lawn and you say “thank you” and I say “no problem”, what is really wrong with that? The point is generally "no problem" means for someone like you (such close friend, family, or trusted business partner) this favor is "no problem" or a pleasure, so don't sweat it. I know you would do the same.
For the person that asks why they have the change the answer is, you doubt. I know people that learn to operate a computer and that's fine. Is it recommended? Probably not but whatever floats your boat. Just remember with decisions are consequences. Is it really worth it to let it bother you? - anon51154
11
Well it depends on the situation. I think if you do a favor for someone especially if it's a big favor, and they say thank you, you usually say no problem because you don't want to make that person feel bad and you reassure them that it isn't a problem. If you give a compliment or if you buy a gift for a certain somebody when they say thank you, your response should be you're welcome. That's what I think. You may agree or disagree, but that's just my opinion. Hope it helped? - anon50294
10
While it might be just cause I am older, I don't like getting the "No Problem" response when I say thank you. But my question to lightspeed would be, why do I need to change? Why don't you just do it the same way as me? Why don't you change?
- anon47222
9
I'm not so much concerned with "no problem" versus people who reply "you welcome!" Umm, the correct term is "you're welcome" or "you are welcome", yes? I would rather have someone say "no problem" than sound like an idiot and say "you welcome!" - anon46993
8
Please lightspeed. By your logic if enough of us said "up yours" when someone says thank you it should be an acceptable response.
Maybe if Claussen Pickles puts enough "Peaches" labels on their pickles, we will all accept that it really means peaches and be happy when we open the jar.
Words mean things no matter what your social status. How you choose to use them reflects what is on the inside. - anon45404
7
I personally do not care for the "no problem" response to my thank you in any form of a business transaction. I really don't care if it was or wasn't a "problem" for you to provide the service that I've requested. It's your job. Just say thank you and be on your way. ;^) - anon42466
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The people who have a problem with "no problem" should recognize that language, like culture, is constantly evolving. The fact that it is so commonly used, in and of itself, makes it acceptable. If word fascists (as I like to call them) who insist upon using "proper" language had their way throughout history, we would still be using "thou" and thee" today. Language is very much a democratic medium of communication. Language usage is not exclusively a "top-down" process anymore... in other words, it is not a process by which some central authority governs word usage and everyone follows. It is also a "bottom-up" process, by which common usage also directs language evolution. If a word or phrase works its way into popular usage, then even authoritative references like Merriam-Websters will formally recognize it. The use of "no problem" as a commonly used reply to "thank you" makes it -- ipso facto by virtue of its common usage -- thoroughly acceptable.
-lightspeed - anon38048
5
Has anyone noticed an increase in the response "yup" to "thank you?" I've caught myself saying it on occasion in an informal setting, yet I can't see that it's by any means acceptable. Thoughts? - anon26825
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What about "Not at all" as a response to "Thank you"? - anon18914
3
Perhaps it is a generational difference. However, with that being said, it would be appropriate to be aware of the social setting and make a proper response. Isn't that what manners are all about? As a college student I worked in a computer lab. A student came in speaking ebonics. I had no idea what he was saying! The lab supervisor (who happened to be a black person) told the young man to speak in an understandable and educated manner because isn't that why he was in college? So in the same way, as we interact with people, it is important to communicate appropriately. - anon17331
2
The first time I heard "No problem" in lieu of "You're welcome" was in Vancouver, BC, in 1991. At first I thought it was a quaint, passing Canadian custom, but it sure stuck around and came South. - tvwrtr
1
I think this is primarily a generational issue. I have no issue with a no problem response to my expression of gratitude. My father however sees it differently! - malena
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Written by
Michael Pollick
Last Modified: 19 November 2009
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