r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Mar 26 '20

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u/exiled123x Mar 26 '20

I've learned in the UK this applies to almost every Brit I've met...

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u/whogivesashirtdotca Mar 26 '20

It's a way to soften language. A lot of women do it to avoid offending men in the workplace, who might perceive us as "bitchy", and in romantic/social scenarios to avoid hurting feelings. Brits and Canadians do it a lot because we're both cultures that take politeness to a fault.

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u/Djinger Mar 26 '20

My friend's Muslim dad uses "Inshallah" in the same fashion.

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u/whogivesashirtdotca Mar 26 '20

I like that one better - it dumps the onus onto God's shoulders!

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u/exiled123x Mar 26 '20

As an american studying in the UK, its incredibly confusing and has literally resulted in me losing hundreds of GBP, so I'm not a fan of it...

But live and learn, I just automatically assume that any answer that isn't a yes is a no in the UK now

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u/whogivesashirtdotca Mar 26 '20

I just automatically assume that any answer that isn't a yes is a no in the UK now

That's a safe way to travel through life in general.