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Originally Posted by Natascha Hi,
When I went to England, I notice that people say 'Cheers' a lot- is it used sometimes instead of 'thanks' and when is it used?
Thanks a lot |
"Cheers" is now used as an informal version of "thanks" in Britain, but it is really an extension of the original meaning, which is closer to "Good Health!" in most languages, and used when raising a glass to someone. In America, you will find this is the most common usage, and it is still used this way in Britain too.
In Britain, you might say 'cheers' in some of the following situations: someone holds a door open for you; a bartender returns your change; someone does you a small favour.
It is important to note though that 'cheers' is
informal. You might use it amongst friends, and you might use it to strangers in an informal setting. But you should not use it at a business function, for example, or when addressing your boss or,
usually, a customer. The latter rule is often broken in pubs as part of trying to generate a more informal environment - a bartender might say "cheers mate" when you give him the money for a drink, for example.
Be very wary of using "cheers mate" though unless you are very fluent - it suggests either social intimacy or a particular type of outgoing 'cheeky' personality. It can sound extremely odd or even mildly offensive in some situations.
Cheers 
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