Is it okay to say "mhm"?

Question

Like instead of saying "Yes" or "yeah" when you're answering someone, is it okay to just go like "mmhhmm"? Lol i just noticed that i always just murmur mhmm instead of actually saying something.

Is that bad or is it okay?

Would you think that's impolite?

Answer 1

Honey, I think its ok, me of course didn't understand  mmhhmm but i'm a dumb blonde, i wouldn't think its impolite.

Answer 2

It's not polite.. no.. unless a person goes on and on on the phone and the other person wants to get off.. I guess if they said bye 5 minutes earlier and are still on the line then by saying mmhmmm, several times might give the others an indication that they should really go and hang up.. x*x

Answer 3

it depends what tone you're using i guess.

Answer 4

If you are talking to friends then that is fine ...but if you are at work or dealing with the public then use a( yes) as answer. They will not mistake what you mean and take it direct.This way there would be no mistake.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say it is impolite, but i would always prefer to say 'yes' or 'no' just because it sounds better.  

Answer 6

Depending on what the person is saying, or asking.  "mhm"  is really a non-verbal response.  It can mean you agree, you don't agree, or you just are hearing them but not giving your opinion, and not committing yourself to their statement or question.  So it is really o.k., you got yourself covered on all basis.

Now if someone asks a specific question they might be annoyed or insulted, so you really have to know when, and where to use that term.

Answer 7

I think going by  old school manners and southern manners, then you should always say "yes ma'am" or "yes."

I was raised that way and even simply saying "yes"   would get me in A LOT of trouble. My dad would freak out if I said yeah or mhm, but I still would do it anyway. My mom didn't care that much. It's not like I mean to disrespect anyone when i say it.

I think it's okay. I don't think it's impolite. I now live by myself and it pisses my dad off that i don't say it because I don't have to. It's not a big deal. I say mhm all of the time and I don't mean it in a rude way and I don't think that it comes across that way either.  

Answer 8

That reminds me of a time when I went out to eat, and our waitress said "mhm" instead of you're welcome.  I think if it's in that kind of situation, an actual word would probably be beneficial.  In casual conversation, however, I think it's perfectly fine.

Mhm :)

Answer 9

mhm ;-) I think it's fine. I say it all the time...

Answer 10

mhm

Answer 11

impolite