Gen Z here. We generally prefer to say “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” because in our eyes it implies that what we did was expected of us and that we don’t need to be thanked. Saying “You’re welcome” often feels like you’re saying that you’re entitled to a thank you from that person.
If someone says, "thank you, " how would you respond? That's the first scenario he gave. You're not saying entitled if they've already given a thank you, are you?
@@josephalbatross5961 It could be interpreted as entitlement after the fact, although I don't interpret it that way if it's coming from an older person. Younger people see "you're welcome" as being equivalent to "I am acknowledging your thank you and accepting it, because I deserve a thank you". I tend to use "no problem" and "of course" interchangeably, and they both pretty much function as my default response.
Imagine living such a coddled, luxurious life that you unironically start to police the language that people use for pleasantries. Millenials don’t say “no problem” because it’s disrespectful or because they’re bereft of manners. They say it because they’ve grown up expecting that they should be helping out others, so that when they go out of their way to assist someone it literally is no problem as it is what they are expected to do.
I am a foreigner that works on tech support, whenever I ask about the name or some other piece of information for work and say "thanks", if I get a "you are welcome" response I stop for a second and think "why are you acting as if you just did me a favor?"
I used to work a job doing customer support on the phone and overtime have had to take different "training" courses that have this silly little language rules. They have always struck me as a funny encapsulation of the older generations vs the younger generations. "No problem" offends some older folk because to them it insinuates that you didn't really want to help them as they could have been a problem. "You're welcome" offends some younger folk because to them it insinuates that you did them a favor that they should be grateful for.
@@RalphKison I'm a helpline operator. Used to get complaints for saying "no problem". Changed it to "It was no problem at all, it was my pleasure to help." Haven't had a complaint since.
I'm a "no worries" kinda guy so I agree with the logic here to a point. "You're welcome" comes across as more formal so it's useage is more predicated on setting and interaction up to that point.
It’s interesting to see generational differences in the way we interpret such a simple phatic response. Videos like this are nice for us to understand other people views, since we respond with ‘no worries’ or ‘no problem’ simply because helping people without anything in return is expected, not something they need to feel grateful for, so we’re happy for their gratefulness because it’s an extra bonus, and to make them feel as if they weren’t a burden even if it was a big task, because personally I’d feel bad for using someone’s time without giving compensation. I didn’t even realise some people could find it rude because for us, it’s a polite way to respond. But I definitely understand where you’re coming from too, where it sounds like your genuine appreciation is being dismissed. I don’t think we have to change our words- language is always changing- just understand each other’s intentions, cause that’s what really matters.
The phrase "you're welcome" implies that the person giving thanks was not welcome in the first place. "No problem" is the same as saying you're welcome in almost every situation. Language has evolved to the point where the actual words in these simple phrases aren't the point, but the sentiment is. Humans are smart enough to pick up on tone, situation, etc. Apparently, we're also smart enough to get upset over semantics. It's a bit silly to think that because a phrase contains negative words means that the phrase as a whole is negative. What is really going to cause relationship problems between humans is being pedantic about word choice over sentiment and the situation itself. (I'm only chiming in because I just finished a linguistics paper on this exact topic!)
I'll preface this by saying that I am 20 years old, but I think you're wrong about "no problem" coming off as a negative reaction to something positive. First off, problem is a negative word, yes, but the point of the phrase is to emphasize that there was not a problem and therefore it should be seen as positive. I and many others around my age feel that saying "you're welcome" is reserved for situations in which we feel we genuinely deserve the thanks, like picking somebody up from the airport on short notice. I work in a meat and seafood department, and I tend to respond to thanks with "no problem" because I feel it gets the point across that doing what I did for a customer was not a hassle or a burden to me in any way. I think it's mostly a generational thing, and soon enough "no problem" will be the standard and the polite thing to say. "You're welcome" comes off very formally to me and implies that what I've done for someone took effort and that I feel I'm entitled to the thanks.
"No problem. Both negative words. Isn't that an interesting way to indicate a positive?" It's called a double negative, Ralph. And in the English language, a double negative creates a positive. You'd think that someone trying to dissect the English language to "teach manners to millennials" would do some research before making such outrageous claims...
@Ralph Kison Don't want to hear the phrase "no problem" any more? Then stop thanking me for things I'm expected to do. By thanking me for things you're telling me that you think that I've done something etra that warrants thanks. Thanks should be reserved for when someone does something outside their requirements. When you thank me for something I'm expected to do you're telling me that you think I've inconvenienced myself to help you when I haven't... hence "no problem".
I understand that people of your generation see 'No problem' as impolite compared to 'You're welcome'. My parents say the latter, and I find most people in Gen X or older naturally say this. And that's fine. But millenials and younger tend to see 'No problem' or 'Don't worry about it' or 'It's nothing' as the more polite option. You're reassuring the person that what you did for them was not a burden on you and that you were happy to do it. The thing is, most of us are raised to believe that helping people out is just something you do, and depending on the situation, not necessarily something that you're owed any thanks for. So when we are thanked, we tend to see it as kind gesture, while older generations feel they are owed those thanks. TLDR: It's a generational difference , and the two are totally synonymous. As long as you respect our way of communicating, we'll respect yours.
When I was younger I said your welcome as we were taught many years ago. As I watched movies and see how several popular movies they'd no worries mate or just no worries. After a while I also said this, even though I HATE change. We have to change to grow. Then no problem. To me No problem meant No it was not a problem for me he to do that with or for you. Just like "don't mention it" which I've also hear. No worries, nothing to worry about. I think lately we are also looking for the hidden agenda. Searching for the negative. I've learn this in life. You WILL find or go to what you search or focus on. Example, I was thinking of buying a Mustang, suddenly I'm seeing Mustangs all over. Where I live there are no sidewalk and people walk along the side of the road. They are hard to see often because of their choice of cloths. Kids years back thought it was funny to push one another out in front of cars while holding on to them and pulling them back. Scaring the driver. Till one kid did it to me and did not hold his friend. I was able to stop. So I learn to look for people. Now I see people every where along the road. As i get closer I see they are not. As I kid I would not want to hit a rock or a post and I would focus on what I did not want. Each time I hit it. When I focus on the clear space or the open route, I was fine. ALL that to say this! We need to stop looking for the negative or the insult. You will be happier.
In languages I've heard this is such a non issue. For example, in Spanish "De Nada" literally translates to "of Nothing" and is said with a downward inflection almost all the time. Only in English is this a problem. Go figure.
I only see older people complaining about this.to a younger person hearing your welcome sounds less genuine, cus it's what your taught to say.but for older people different.why I say your welcome to older folks and no problem to younger ones.its about perspective.u can go on about this double negative crap but when I here no problem,as a young person,it really sounds like they're talking to me more as a person than a customer they need to woo for their bonus or something.i completely understand older folks view but I wish more would understand ours.another argument I hear is "no problem is implying that there could have been a problem".u could easily pick a part any simple statement to that degree.for example "your welcome" means your welcome to my service.well of course they're welcome,u shouldn't have to tell them that.thats why they're friggin there
Thanks DrumStick. I will accept your "no problem" if stated in a genuine manner if you'll accept my "thank you" as a statement of appreciation for your service.
should you be mad if a Hispanic responds in Spanish "De Nada" which translates to "of nothing" meaning it was no big deal it was my pleasure to help and was no burden on me, millennial's use the same phrase "no problem" just as it is worded, it was no problem for us to help you. "You're Welcome" is often used sarcastically when thanks is not given for a burdensome task, often with an eye roll and huffed voice. Or maybe when you are at a french bistro and say thank you should you be upset when they respond with "De rien" literally again meaning "of nothing" or meaning "it was nothing". "You are welcome" is a form of self gratitude. "You should be thanking me for what I did."
"You almost never hear a Millennial say “you’re welcome.” At least not when someone thanks them. It just isn’t done. Not because Millennials are ingrates lacking all manners, but because the polite response is “No problem.” Millennials only use “you’re welcome” sarcastically when they haven’t been thanked or when something has been taken from/done to them without their consent. It’s a phrase that’s used to point out someone else’s rudeness. A Millennial would typically be fairly uncomfortable saying “you’re welcome” as an acknowledgement of genuine thanks because the phrase is only ever used disingenuously. Baby Boomers, however, get really miffed if someone says “no problem” in response to being thanked. From their perspective, saying “no problem” means that whatever they’re thanking someone for was in fact a problem, but the other person did it anyway as a personal favor. To them “You’re welcome” is the standard polite response. “You’re welcome” means to Millennials what “no problem” means to Baby Boomers, and vice versa.The two phrases have converse meanings to the different age sets. I’m not sure exactly where this line gets drawn, but it’s somewhere in the middle of Gen X. This is a real pain in the ass if you work in customer service because everyone thinks that everyone else is being rude when they’re really being polite in their own language." this entire comment comes from All things Linguistic allthingslinguistic.com/post/124189121619/no-problem-vs-youre-welcome and explains the langauge barrier between Baby Boomers and Millenials
I appreciate everyone's comments on this topic. I realize my viewpoint is different than many of those commenting. I'm simply presenting another perspective for consideration.
Thank you for posting this. I don't believe it had your intended effect, but it serves as a meeting point for understanding the varying perspectives between generations, and that's important, even on small things like a respectful response. Especially when it can be hard to find any of those meeting points in the first place.
Please tell me the comment is actually clever satire condemning our rapidly declining educational system's quality and that people are not intentionally watching this garbage for 'educational' purposes. You have me genuinely worried now.
Anyone who says 'no problem' instead of 'you're welcome' really pisses me off! (I'm always like- Grrrr why on earth did I even thank you) ....Lots of love from Nairobi, Kenya
Gen Z here. We generally prefer to say “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” because in our eyes it implies that what we did was expected of us and that we don’t need to be thanked. Saying “You’re welcome” often feels like you’re saying that you’re entitled to a thank you from that person.
If someone says, "thank you, " how would you respond? That's the first scenario he gave. You're not saying entitled if they've already given a thank you, are you?
@@josephalbatross5961 It could be interpreted as entitlement after the fact, although I don't interpret it that way if it's coming from an older person. Younger people see "you're welcome" as being equivalent to "I am acknowledging your thank you and accepting it, because I deserve a thank you". I tend to use "no problem" and "of course" interchangeably, and they both pretty much function as my default response.
"No Problem" is a double negative, which means it's a positive statement.
Nope. You got that wrong.
Imagine living such a coddled, luxurious life that you unironically start to police the language that people use for pleasantries.
Millenials don’t say “no problem” because it’s disrespectful or because they’re bereft of manners. They say it because they’ve grown up expecting that they should be helping out others, so that when they go out of their way to assist someone it literally is no problem as it is what they are expected to do.
I am a foreigner that works on tech support, whenever I ask about the name or some other piece of information for work and say "thanks", if I get a "you are welcome" response I stop for a second and think "why are you acting as if you just did me a favor?"
I used to work a job doing customer support on the phone and overtime have had to take different "training" courses that have this silly little language rules. They have always struck me as a funny encapsulation of the older generations vs the younger generations. "No problem" offends some older folk because to them it insinuates that you didn't really want to help them as they could have been a problem. "You're welcome" offends some younger folk because to them it insinuates that you did them a favor that they should be grateful for.
Interesting perspective Razzy. Sounds like we're all offending each other. What's the solution for us communicating in a way we can all agree?
@@RalphKison I'm a helpline operator. Used to get complaints for saying "no problem". Changed it to "It was no problem at all, it was my pleasure to help." Haven't had a complaint since.
I'm a "no worries" kinda guy so I agree with the logic here to a point. "You're welcome" comes across as more formal so it's useage is more predicated on setting and interaction up to that point.
It’s interesting to see generational differences in the way we interpret such a simple phatic response. Videos like this are nice for us to understand other people views, since we respond with ‘no worries’ or ‘no problem’ simply because helping people without anything in return is expected, not something they need to feel grateful for, so we’re happy for their gratefulness because it’s an extra bonus, and to make them feel as if they weren’t a burden even if it was a big task, because personally I’d feel bad for using someone’s time without giving compensation. I didn’t even realise some people could find it rude because for us, it’s a polite way to respond. But I definitely understand where you’re coming from too, where it sounds like your genuine appreciation is being dismissed. I don’t think we have to change our words- language is always changing- just understand each other’s intentions, cause that’s what really matters.
The phrase "you're welcome" implies that the person giving thanks was not welcome in the first place. "No problem" is the same as saying you're welcome in almost every situation. Language has evolved to the point where the actual words in these simple phrases aren't the point, but the sentiment is. Humans are smart enough to pick up on tone, situation, etc. Apparently, we're also smart enough to get upset over semantics. It's a bit silly to think that because a phrase contains negative words means that the phrase as a whole is negative.
What is really going to cause relationship problems between humans is being pedantic about word choice over sentiment and the situation itself. (I'm only chiming in because I just finished a linguistics paper on this exact topic!)
I'll preface this by saying that I am 20 years old, but I think you're wrong about "no problem" coming off as a negative reaction to something positive. First off, problem is a negative word, yes, but the point of the phrase is to emphasize that there was not a problem and therefore it should be seen as positive. I and many others around my age feel that saying "you're welcome" is reserved for situations in which we feel we genuinely deserve the thanks, like picking somebody up from the airport on short notice. I work in a meat and seafood department, and I tend to respond to thanks with "no problem" because I feel it gets the point across that doing what I did for a customer was not a hassle or a burden to me in any way. I think it's mostly a generational thing, and soon enough "no problem" will be the standard and the polite thing to say. "You're welcome" comes off very formally to me and implies that what I've done for someone took effort and that I feel I'm entitled to the thanks.
Thanks for considering my perspective and providing your input Cole.
"No problem. Both negative words. Isn't that an interesting way to indicate a positive?" It's called a double negative, Ralph. And in the English language, a double negative creates a positive. You'd think that someone trying to dissect the English language to "teach manners to millennials" would do some research before making such outrageous claims...
Thanks for your comment Sam. You are correct in your statement. As a general rule their use is discouraged as they are considered poor grammar.
@Ralph Kison Don't want to hear the phrase "no problem" any more? Then stop thanking me for things I'm expected to do. By thanking me for things you're telling me that you think that I've done something etra that warrants thanks. Thanks should be reserved for when someone does something outside their requirements. When you thank me for something I'm expected to do you're telling me that you think I've inconvenienced myself to help you when I haven't... hence "no problem".
I understand that people of your generation see 'No problem' as impolite compared to 'You're welcome'. My parents say the latter, and I find most people in Gen X or older naturally say this. And that's fine.
But millenials and younger tend to see 'No problem' or 'Don't worry about it' or 'It's nothing' as the more polite option. You're reassuring the person that what you did for them was not a burden on you and that you were happy to do it.
The thing is, most of us are raised to believe that helping people out is just something you do, and depending on the situation, not necessarily something that you're owed any thanks for. So when we are thanked, we tend to see it as kind gesture, while older generations feel they are owed those thanks.
TLDR: It's a generational difference , and the two are totally synonymous. As long as you respect our way of communicating, we'll respect yours.
I do Zoe. No problem! Thanks for your input.
When I was younger I said your welcome as we were taught many years ago. As I watched movies and see how several popular movies they'd no worries mate or just no worries. After a while I also said this, even though I HATE change. We have to change to grow. Then no problem. To me No problem meant No it was not a problem for me he to do that with or for you. Just like "don't mention it" which I've also hear. No worries, nothing to worry about. I think lately we are also looking for the hidden agenda. Searching for the negative. I've learn this in life. You WILL find or go to what you search or focus on. Example, I was thinking of buying a Mustang, suddenly I'm seeing Mustangs all over. Where I live there are no sidewalk and people walk along the side of the road. They are hard to see often because of their choice of cloths. Kids years back thought it was funny to push one another out in front of cars while holding on to them and pulling them back. Scaring the driver. Till one kid did it to me and did not hold his friend. I was able to stop. So I learn to look for people. Now I see people every where along the road. As i get closer I see they are not. As I kid I would not want to hit a rock or a post and I would focus on what I did not want. Each time I hit it. When I focus on the clear space or the open route, I was fine. ALL that to say this! We need to stop looking for the negative or the insult. You will be happier.
In languages I've heard this is such a non issue. For example, in Spanish "De Nada" literally translates to "of Nothing" and is said with a downward inflection almost all the time. Only in English is this a problem. Go figure.
Also what is this "Im not trying to give a manners course" BS at around 2:40.
The video is titled "Manners for Millenials"?
I only see older people complaining about this.to a younger person hearing your welcome sounds less genuine, cus it's what your taught to say.but for older people different.why I say your welcome to older folks and no problem to younger ones.its about perspective.u can go on about this double negative crap but when I here no problem,as a young person,it really sounds like they're talking to me more as a person than a customer they need to woo for their bonus or something.i completely understand older folks view but I wish more would understand ours.another argument I hear is "no problem is implying that there could have been a problem".u could easily pick a part any simple statement to that degree.for example "your welcome" means your welcome to my service.well of course they're welcome,u shouldn't have to tell them that.thats why they're friggin there
Thanks DrumStick. I will accept your "no problem" if stated in a genuine manner if you'll accept my "thank you" as a statement of appreciation for your service.
should you be mad if a Hispanic responds in Spanish "De Nada" which translates to "of nothing" meaning it was no big deal it was my pleasure to help and was no burden on me, millennial's use the same phrase "no problem" just as it is worded, it was no problem for us to help you. "You're Welcome" is often used sarcastically when thanks is not given for a burdensome task, often with an eye roll and huffed voice.
Or maybe when you are at a french bistro and say thank you should you be upset when they respond with "De rien" literally again meaning "of nothing" or meaning "it was nothing".
"You are welcome" is a form of self gratitude. "You should be thanking me for what I did."
"You almost never hear a Millennial say “you’re welcome.” At least not when someone thanks them. It just isn’t done. Not because Millennials are ingrates lacking all manners, but because the polite response is “No problem.” Millennials only use “you’re welcome” sarcastically when they haven’t been thanked or when something has been taken from/done to them without their consent. It’s a phrase that’s used to point out someone else’s rudeness. A Millennial would typically be fairly uncomfortable saying “you’re welcome” as an acknowledgement of genuine thanks because the phrase is only ever used disingenuously.
Baby Boomers, however, get really miffed if someone says “no problem” in response to being thanked. From their perspective, saying “no problem” means that whatever they’re thanking someone for was in fact a problem, but the other person did it anyway as a personal favor. To them “You’re welcome” is the standard polite response.
“You’re welcome” means to Millennials what “no problem” means to Baby Boomers, and vice versa.The two phrases have converse meanings to the different age sets. I’m not sure exactly where this line gets drawn, but it’s somewhere in the middle of Gen X. This is a real pain in the ass if you work in customer service because everyone thinks that everyone else is being rude when they’re really being polite in their own language." this entire comment comes from All things Linguistic allthingslinguistic.com/post/124189121619/no-problem-vs-youre-welcome and explains the langauge barrier between Baby Boomers and Millenials
Happy to help or my pleasure are nice alternatives.
Those sound so fake and unnatural.
I appreciate everyone's comments on this topic. I realize my viewpoint is different than many of those commenting. I'm simply presenting another perspective for consideration.
Thank you for posting this. I don't believe it had your intended effect, but it serves as a meeting point for understanding the varying perspectives between generations, and that's important, even on small things like a respectful response. Especially when it can be hard to find any of those meeting points in the first place.
Okay boomer
Ok boomer, stop getting in a strop over nothing
My class: start here: 1:11
Please tell me the comment is actually clever satire condemning our rapidly declining educational system's quality and that people are not intentionally watching this garbage for 'educational' purposes.
You have me genuinely worried now.
Anyone who says 'no problem' instead of 'you're welcome' really pisses me off!
(I'm always like- Grrrr why on earth did I even thank you)
....Lots of love from Nairobi, Kenya
Thanks for chiming in with your opinion!