When you guys say "Have a nice day" . . . ?

Question

Why does it make some British people cringe? Let me explain, when Americans say "Have a nice day" it sounds false to me and others I know have similar feelings about this phrase - I know it's a cultural thing and you guys just say this as we would say "goodbye" or "thank you" but can anyone explain why it is that to our ears it sounds false, or overly nice - especially if someone is grumpy with you in a store and still says "have a nice day" like they really mean "have a terrible day"? Or am I just misguided or is it just typical British miserableness (is that a word?)

I sometimes feel like saying "Do I have to?" when someone says this - it sounds like an order "HAVE a nice day".

Answer 1

It doesn't make me cringe. They probably were being false to you cos you sound like a ********

Have a nice day now ya'hear

Answer 2

I never hear anyone say Have a Nice Day, sorry to disappoint you.

Answer 3

Are you hearing this from business-people or sales-people from the U.S.?

This is usually a phrase used in professional, over-the-phone, or sales situations. Sales-people and business-people are basically trained to always say things such as this to customers. So yes, it may not always be genuine, or sincere. It is force of habit for them. But to be fair, many of them could really be hoping you have a nice day.

Also, it is just short-hand / slang that has been used forever. Instead of saying - "I really, sincerely, hope you have a wonderful day." - we shortened it to make it quick and easy.

Answer 4

It's just something you say. Like when someone says, "how are you" you just say "fine, thanks" even if you're really not. I agree though that it can be said sarcastically. Especially by customer service reps because in the U.S., you'd loose your job if you were rude to a customer.  

Answer 5

I guess we really view it with demeanor, you can say it in a rude manor. But usually you are able to pick out if the person is just trying to be polite or if the person really means it.

Answer 6

We do use it just as a farewell, but say it to emphasize a general wish of well being to the person to whom we are speaking. Of course, there are jerks that say it, dripping with sarcams.

Generalizations are fine. Members of different cultures often wonder about the other, but are too afraid of offending eachother to come out and ask. (like the way you guys don't put ice in soda- it seems strange to an American!) Good for you!

Have a nice day! ;)

Answer 7

Have a nice day is what you say to someone you don't really know very well. It's one of those bland, generalizations that doesn't really mean anything at all.  

Answer 8

have a nice day then!