I’ve heard it explained that “hey” used to be more of an urgent way to get someone’s attention, rather than a casual “hello” like it is now, so it sounded rude to some older folks.
When I was a waiter, there was no shortage of boomers getting genuinely upset with me saying “No problem” as a reply to “thanks”.
I prefer to say no problem over you’re welcome cuz it always (to me) sounds sarcastic/disingenuous when I say you’re welcome
It’s like this:
You have a boss. A wrinkled plus-sized brown business jacket of a man whose idea of “cutting costs” is turning the air conditioner off. If he caught on fire, you wouldn’t piss on him to put him out. How do you address him? “Good morning Mr. Perkins, how are you doing today?”
You’ve got a war buddy. You met at boot camp, you served in the same company, he splinted your leg in the field, you’re his kids’ godfather. You’d kill and die for this man. How do you address him? “Ah god not this fucking asshole again.”
Official formal polite language like “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” is the pair of nitrile gloves I put on to handle the really noxious shit that comes my way. “w’thanks man” and “no problem” means I’m willing to handle you with my bare skin.
“No problem” also carries the implication that the favor was taken and done without ill will, where “you’re welcome” carries one of superiority
Teachers in 2023: “NOOO you can’t end your sentences with ‘fr fr nocap skibidi’ those aren’t even real words!”
2033:
2033: “Why would you say any of that corny old shit? You sloopy old frond!”
It was “yo” for me. Any time I used it some old shit would complain. My mom called it n-word speak. Me and my mom don’t talk.
I use it daily, mostly out of spite.
She wasn’t ok with yo but the n word was ok? Hahaha wtf old people be crazy
My mom was about 35 when she said that. Went to services every weekend.
I’ve heard it explained that “hey” used to be more of an urgent way to get someone’s attention
Used to?! O_O
Still does, but depends on the emphasis
“Hey aulin!” = Hello
“Hey!/Hey, aulin!” = Getting your attention
