I hear “No problem” far more often.

  • intensely_human@lemm.ee
    99·
    2 months ago

    Except “no problem” traditionally means “no problem [despite this situation containing a likely problem]”.

    It means the person being thanked has gone outside their set of responsibilities to help you.

    Like “Thanks for letting us borrow your spare tire so we could get our car back to town” -> “no problem”.

    Here the other person had no responsibility to help with the others’ flat tire, much less lend out a piece of their own safety equipment.

    “You’re welcome” is the one which means “It is perfectly expected in our current roles that I would have provided this”.

    • Pandantic@midwest.socialEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      And I see it totally opposite. Interesting.

      Also, can you cite this “traditionally” you reference?

      • olympicyes@lemmy.worldEnglish
        11·
        2 months ago

        I go to DMV. “You need a number to be in this line”. “My mistake. Where do I get this number?” “Over there.” “Oh, I see, thank you.” “You’re welcome.”

        • Pandantic@midwest.social
          2·
          2 months ago

          Wow, because the DMV uses it? Thanks for the source! Wait, I’ve heard a person at the DMV say “no problem” before…

          Also, I was asking the original commenter about the “traditional” use of “no problem”.