Ah, etiquette, our old foe. If you’ve ever heard someone say “why, thank you”, you may find it a tad confusing. “Why” is a question, is it not?
Well, your confusion ends here, friend! We’re about to explain the meaning of this rather old-fashioned phrase.
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Why, Thank You – Meaning
The phrase “why, thank you” is an expression of gratitude coupled with an expression of surprise. The “why” in this phrase is an interjection and implies that the speaker was not expecting the compliment. This use of the word “why” in this context developed during Victorian times.
“Why, thank you” developed in Victorian times, potentially because this is a more coy and less abrupt way to express thanks. It is best suited for when the speaker is receiving a compliment or flattery of some kind:
- Person 1: You look absolutely stunning this evening!
- Person 2: Why, thank you, my lady!
As you can see, the “why” indicates that the speaker was not expecting the compliment. This phrase is less suitable when you’re anticipating a remark or action from someone else:
- Person 1: I took your dress to the seamstress like you asked.
- Person 2: Thank you.
In this example, Person 2 is thanking Person 1 for carrying out a request. Therefore, they are not surprised to hear that their request was carried out, but they are grateful, nonetheless.
Merriam-Webster identifies the word “why” as an interjection “used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience”. As far as pronunciation goes, the “why” is pronounced the same way as the interrogative version of this word.
Is “Why, Thank You” Flirty?
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In speech, flirtatiousness is achieved more by tone than by choice of words. There’s, therefore, no reason why “why, thank you” can’t be said flirtatiously at times.
However, it has been suggested that, since this phrase developed in Victorian times, the “why” was most likely used to come across as coy rather than outwardly flirtatious.
Victorian women had it rough, so we’re clear! They had to meet high standards of modesty and most flirtation took place through euphemism. If a Victorian woman received flattery or a compliment, she’d make use of this interjection to express bashfulness and humility.
Nevertheless, when a girl says “why, thank you”, particularly in modern times, whether she is being flirty depends greatly on how she says it, rather than the fact that she’s saying it at all:
- Person 1: Dinner was excellent!
- Person 2: Why, thank you, sir! It’s my mother’s recipe.
- Person 1: You look very handsome tonight.
- Person 2: Why, thank you very much.
- Person 1: Your singing is fantastic, truly.
- Person 2: Why, thank you, ma’am.
Are the two people flirting in these examples? Well, it’s hard to say. Context is everything!
Why, Thank You – Origin
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “why” has been used as an interjection since the 16th century. We aren’t entirely sure why this use of the word started, or who said it first. Nor do we know where exactly this usage comes from.
There is a great deal of speculation about the etymology of “why, thank you”. Some suggest that “why” is a development of the word “hwæt”, which is the very first word in the Old English epic poem, Beowulf.
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In this context, the word was used as an interjection before an announcement and served to attract the attention of listeners.
It has also been suggested that “why” was initially used as an expression of doubt, and eventually began to indicate surprise.
The true origins of “why, thank you” may simply remain a mystery to us.
Why, Thank You – Synonyms
The alternatives to “why, thank you” are pretty much any other expressions of gratitude. Let’s look at a few:
- That’s very kind of you
- I appreciate that
- Much obliged
- Thanks very much
Incorrect Ways to Use “Why, Thank You”
Remember, “why”, in this context, is not a question but an interjection. It would, therefore, not be appropriate to use this phrase as follows:
- Person 1: What did you say when he finally got back to you?
- Person 2: I just said, ‘thank you’.
- Person 1: Why ‘thank you’? He doesn’t deserve your thanks – he did the bare minimum!
In What Situations Can You Use “Why, Thank You”?
You can use the phrase “why, thank you” when you have received a compliment and want to express that you are surprised and grateful to receive it.
This phrase is appropriate for formal functions and would be especially appropriate were you to go back in time to the Victorian era.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
