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I do wish you had explained more carefully to the young lady that politeness terms are not meant to be literal. If she thinks "please" indicates something is literally only done if you please, I shudder to think that she may assume "thank you" is not necessary when someone does something that they are required to do.
Agree with you on both counts. Politeness keeps everyone's blood pressure down, keeps the social machinery rev on nicely, and probably increases the net social advantages of those who practice it.
But what do you think of this? - For as long as I live, I probably will never get used to the sound of 'thank you kindly.'
It's just like some wet burger bun, soft and disintegrating like that. And logically it makes no sense- you cannot be kind when receiving favor. Probably it's a confused alteration from 'thank you for your kindness.'
Is there a reason I should not feel like to cringe at it?
"Thank you kindly" is an idiom and, like most idioms, will not make sense. It could be compared to "thanks a million." A million what? It makes no sense either but it is a way of expressing more thanks than a mere "thank you" can convey. I am pleased to hear anyone say "thank you" in any way they choose.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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