Thank you is probably the most frequently used word in the UK. Britons pepper their speech with thank-yous so generously that the word has lost much of its meaning having turned into a sort of verbal smile, as in the following example, which is a typical dialogue between a cashier and a customer you’ll hear and get involved into a lot in this country.
– Do you need any bags?
– No, thanks.
– Would you like to pay in cash or by card?
– Card.
– Please insert it into the card reader and enter your PIN. Thank you. Here’s your receipt.
– Thanks a lot.
– Have a lovely day! Bye-bye!
– Thanks. You too. Bye!
It may sound ridiculous but, if you care what others think about you and your manners, you’d better overuse rather than underuse the magic word. Luckily, there’s actually more than one, so take your pick.
