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Why “No Problem” Can Seem Rude: Phatic Expressions

Tom Scott · Explainer · 4 min · 2019
Why it's here

HN uses it as the short, clear explainer when discussions about greetings and small talk come up.

What it covers

Tom Scott explains phatic expressions such as hello, thank you and how are you, which carry social meaning rather than information, and why replies like no problem can seem rude to some people.