Is “Of Course” The New “You’re Welcome”?

Of course!

I’ve become obsessed with observing how often people say “of course” in response to “thank you” or any other expression of appreciation. Have you noticed it, too?

For example, I was at the market and said thank you to the person who bagged my groceries. He said, “Of course.”

Later, a neighbor gave me a cool puzzle for the grandkids. I texted “thank you.” She responded, “of course”.

Someone else helped me find a particular section of rugs in TJ Maxx and when I told her I appreciated the help, she responded, “of course.”

This all happened in the same day because it seems as if no one says “you’re welcome” EVER –just “of course.”

Is it rude? Is it polite?

OF COURSE I did a little research…

Here’s the query: Is it rude to reply “of course”?

‘Of course’ by itself means obvious, expected. So when someone says ‘of course’ instead of ‘you’re welcome’, the feeling is “it’s obvious that I would do that because I want to do that’. It seems to be a friendly communication, BUT IS IT?

In fact, it’s a big search on Quora…

Why do millennials often say “of course” instead of saying “you’re welcome” when you thank them?

You can respond to someone who says “of course!” after you thank them by expressing your gratitude again or by acknowledging their kindness. For example, you could say “Thank you again, I really appreciate it” or “You’re so kind, thank you.” This shows that you value their response and appreciate their willingness to help.

What about people who respond “no problem” in response to “thank you”?

I like this following points of view:

“You’re welcome,” is the correct short answer. “Of course” implies entitlement. Even the currently popular, “No problem,” implies imposition.

Both of those answers imply “It’s all about me, not you.” I think it’s another sign, indicative of more and more egregious narcissistic behavior creeping into our society on a daily basis.

Regardless of the following ways to respond to “thank you” and you can call me old-fashioned, but I’m going to stick with “you’re welcome.” That’s the only one that feels right to me.

Do you say “no problem” or “of course” or are you like me and reply with a simple “you’re welcome”?

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7 thoughts on “Is “Of Course” The New “You’re Welcome”?

  1. I’ve never heard that, but I’ll take notice from now on. I agree with you, ‘you’re welcome’ is more appropriate.
    One of my pet hates is when I offer someone another cup of tea or biscuit, or whatever, they say, ‘no, you’re alright’, as if they’re letting me of the hook from serving them further. 🥴

    Liked by 1 person

    • I would find that response so UNsatisfying! I think there are complex undercurrents of micro aggressive behaviors in all of those responses. I’m a simple girl; please and thank you (or no thank you) and you’re welcome work for me. It’s all so draining to figure out what people REALLY mean.

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  2. I noticed this as well recently. I am 60 and have never used “of course” as a response to “thank you”, but people under 30 seem to all say it now. I don’t have a problem with it, but just curious how it became so popular.

    I wrote this question to the radio show “You’re Saying It Wrong” and they just did an episode on it:

    https://www.npr.org/podcasts/642595029/you-re-saying-it-wrong

    it is the episode called “Of Course! A mere trifle.”

    Liked by 1 person

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