Inter-generational conversations are not always as straightforward as “Hello, how are you? or Thank You.”
Thus my bafflement recently on more than one occasion when I attempted to express my appreciation in the normal way — at least what has always been normal for someone of my generation.
When the young man, with phone in one hand, and the other hand free, kindly held the door open for me I slowly waddled through, cane in hand, and a grocery bag in the other.
“Thank you,” I said with a smile, thinking he might smile back and say something as simple as “You’re welcome.”
But he didn’t smile, nor did he say “you’re welcome.” Instead, with barely a glance he said, “no worries.”
That got me to worrying. Had I offended him in some way by thanking him, did he really not care if I went through the door before him, was he wishing he hadn’t held the door open?
Housemate could offer no clear answer, shrugging his shoulders a bit as if to say, “don’t worry.”
In a local store shortly after, I asked an attendant if she could help me retrieve a blouse that was hung on a rack meant only for giants. Even using my cane to prod the item of clothing to within my reach was a failure. Thus the request. She used a stick and got me the blouse.
“Thanks for your help,” I said with genuine feeling.
“No worries,” she responded as she wandered off to help other hapless customers.
Again I worried: should I have not asked for her help, would she get in trouble with her employer for providing assistance, was helping customers outside her job description.
I mentioned my dilemma to a friend and she agreed that half the time she didn’t really understand the vocabulary of her grandchildren. Neither of us offered to share how we talked when we were much younger. Likely, our grandparents were also concerned when they didn’t understand what we were saying.
When I thanked the young chap for washing my bug-stained car window, guess what he said in reply — “no worries.”
Back at home I decided to research this “no worries” phrase and learned it originated in 1965 in Australia, the land of kangaroos, cuddly bears and cowboys with distinctive accents. It became more popular in the 1990s then soared in use as we hit the 2000s.
In some cultures, linguistic experts suggest the phrase should be banned while others consider it is harmless, meaning there should be no reason to worry. Those folks say it is commonly used as a breezy response or a frivolous declaration of the other person’s vibe. I didn’t know I had a vibe.
Experts in modern manners and etiquette say it should not be used in place of “you’re welcome” or “I’m sorry.” One also suggests use of the phrase is bad etiquette and creates a deficiency in interaction among humans.
So there I have it: “No worries” is acceptable jargon in some circles. In others, it is misunderstood and condemned. With my belief in the goodness of others, I will suspect the youngsters mean “you’re welcome” when they respond to my thanks for doing something kind for me.
Perhaps the next time someone says “no worries” to me, I could respond by breaking into the song, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Imagine the looks of befuddlement I would receive.
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More fowl supper dates I’ve received: Oct. 23, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Moose Jaw; Briercrest Community Centre in Briercrest, Sk. and Herbert Sportsplex in Herbert; and Nov. 6, Eagles Club Auxiliary at the Eagles Club in Moose Jaw. Thanks for keeping me informed.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net.
The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Moose Jaw Today, the Moose Jaw Express, its management, or its subsidiaries.
