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Pedants' corner

"No Problem"

12 replies

CheshireSplat · 15/05/2024 11:53

"Hi. Would you mind doing a, b and c for me, at considerable inconvenience to you?"

"I can't that weekend, I'm away."

"No problem."

This "no problem" really really annoys me. More than it should. I read it that I'm now supposed to be grateful that my inability to do something unsolicited hasn't caused a problem. Why would there be a problem when you've asked me for something unreasonable in the first place?


I know it's because people aren't really analysing the words as much as me, but (a) how do I not get so riled and (b), this is the really annoying part! I find myself saying it when I've asked a friend a favour and they can't help, which winds me up about myself. What is the appropriate reply?

"Thanks" definitely sounds sarcastic, passive/aggressive.

(And of course in real life I say "sorry" which may explain the "no problem"! )

OP posts:
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dudsville · 18/05/2024 17:30

I agree with you. I don't use the term for this very reason, and similarly I also avoid "no worries".

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CheshireSplat · 21/05/2024 22:26

dudsville · 18/05/2024 17:30

I agree with you. I don't use the term for this very reason, and similarly I also avoid "no worries".

Thank you! What do you say instead?

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INeedToClingToSomething · 21/05/2024 22:32

I think you are taking the phrase the wrong way. People mean "no problem I'll sort it another way, please don't worry about having said no (as some people don't like saying no and the British are generally very polite and want to ensure their request and your subsequent "no" to that request hasn't left you feeling guilty)." It doesn't mean you are now supposed to be grateful at all!!

"No problem" or "no worries" is a much quicker way of saying all of that.

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YellowHairband · 21/05/2024 22:44

I get what you mean but I agree with @INeedToClingToSomething
Sometimes when people aren't able to do something, they will then put effort in to trying to help, or they will feel bad about it. Plus, a lot of the time people will say sorry for not being able to help. "No problem" sort of acknowledges that by saying "no, it's not a problem, you don't need to feel bad or try to resolve it".

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TigerDroveAgain · 21/05/2024 22:50

Oh you've reminded me of my dad who was apoplectic about his trendy middle class younger neighbours - this was about 1980. Whenever my dad, who was a bit of a nightmare neighbour type made some outrageous demand of this fellow he'd say : "Yeah - no problem". Drove my dad nuts because of course he just wanted there to be lots of problems Grin

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dudsville · 22/05/2024 09:18

CheshireSplat · 21/05/2024 22:26

Thank you! What do you say instead?

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Depends on the context, but something like "that's OK" or "I understand" or a reply that uses their words or takes their sentence further usually suffices. Things like "no problem", "no worries" and "that's OK" can bring an interaction to an end, so I look for something more open that allows me to end the interaction differently. I don't know why it bugs me but even in childhood I used to avoid slang as much as possible, even if I like the word/phrase, for instance I always wanted to be someone who'd say "dude!" but it never felt authentic.

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ASighMadeOfStone · 24/05/2024 08:36

INeedToClingToSomething · 21/05/2024 22:32

I think you are taking the phrase the wrong way. People mean "no problem I'll sort it another way, please don't worry about having said no (as some people don't like saying no and the British are generally very polite and want to ensure their request and your subsequent "no" to that request hasn't left you feeling guilty)." It doesn't mean you are now supposed to be grateful at all!!

"No problem" or "no worries" is a much quicker way of saying all of that.

I agree with this.
It's the person saying "no problem" who is acknowledging the problem is theirs, not yours. That you, by saying no, haven't contributed to the problem they were asking for help with.

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TigerDroveAgain · 24/05/2024 22:32

I know this is Pendants' Corner but do some of you think you might be overthinking this?

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DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 24/05/2024 22:37

OP - you are clearly dont under =stand the "no problem"

They are saying - it is ok, thanks, I'm ok and thanks for getting back to me

if you making the opposite out if it, then I'm glad I don't know you IRL, I hope
😂

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CheshireSplat · 28/05/2024 07:32

Thank you everyone, I'm finding the explanations very helpful, particularly @INeedToClingToSomething 's. As I said I do say it myself so there's some cognitive dissonance going on.

And @DistinguishedSocialCommentator this is Pedant's Corner. I remain a truly delightful friend and just seethe inwardly.

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AGlinnerOfHope · 28/05/2024 07:43

Saying 'no problem' is a way of acknowledging it was a favour that they didn't assume you'd help with.

It's the equivalent of 'I know it's a big ask, but could you possibly...'.

It's saying 'I understand you can't help and that's fine.'

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haddockfortea · 02/06/2024 23:36

CheshireSplat · 21/05/2024 22:26

Thank you! What do you say instead?

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Hakuna matata. 😂

It's the only Swahili I know!

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