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Why do Americans use the shorten greeting of "Hi" when first meeting someone new but
Random & Fun / 9:39 PM - Saturday February 11, 2012

Why do Americans use the shorten greeting of "Hi" when first meeting someone new but

Canadians and British tend to use the more formal greeting "hello"?

- Asked by wetwired, Female, 26-28, New York, Consulting

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I alway say hello how are you to people.

- Response by pawbuddys, Female, 46-55

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I have no idea really, but it's probably a reflection of our overall casual approach to life. Admittedly, we're often too casual - which is why some people love us and some hate us.


- Response by uniquelyme2, Female, 46-55, Artist / Musician / Writer

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Well I am British and I would answer a greeting in the way it was offered.. that is the proper way.. so if someone said to me, "hello, nice to meet you" I would respond the same way, if they said Hi, I would respond the same way... that is the proper way to deal with introductions..

- Response by rumloverreturns, Female, 46-55, Glasgow, Other Profession

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same reason we say "cheque" instead of "check", when describing a bank note, and "colour" instead of "color". WE just think it looks and sounds prettier!


- Response by girldownunder, Female, 29-35, Sydney, Medical / Dental

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I use hello . "howdy" when I want to get a rise out of my kids .

- Response by headscratching, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, 46-55, Science / Engineering

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We speak the Queen's English. They don't.

They don't even like queens. That's why I have to fight my way through all the Americans outside Buckingham Palace every day I'm in London.

Something like that.

- Response by spongecake, A Rebel, Male, 29-35, Who Cares?

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I use "Hi" when emailing people or meeting people.

However,when answering the phone,I use, "Hello"

- Response by size008, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, 66 or older, New York, Retired

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Well maybe because the majority of Americans are uneducated, I am American(unfortunately) and I use hello, it is just proper.

- Response by Female, 22-25, Other Profession

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Not all Americans use, "HI", when meeting someone new but there is nothing wrong with it.

In fact, I'd say that most Americans - when meeting someone new - state, "Hi. It's nice to meet you."
"Hi John, I'm Jenny. It's nice to meet you."
"Hello. It's nice to meet you."

When people I've never seen or don't know come into my store, I always greet them with, "Hi" or "Hey there" or "How are you? Do you need some help? What can I get for you?"
It's not formal but it's friendly and I've never had any complaints.

When I first moved to New Mexico I was always a little surprised when I'd call someone's house and they answered the 'phone, "Bueno".

"Bueno"?
I was taught that bueno meant good.
I suppose that was short for Buenos Dias or Buenos Noches or Buenos Tardas.

Whatever.
They didn't answer the 'phone, "Why are you callin' me? WTF do you want??!!", so, it was all good.

- Response by jenny12, Female, 46-55, Other Profession

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...I usually say, 'Hello, is it me you're looking for?'

- Response by kismet331, Female, 36-45

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BECAUSE THAT IS TWO SYLLABLES! whereas Hi is only one.

Don't want to invest much energy into somebody you don't know and may end up not liking or ever seeing again!

- Response by rafiki910, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, Who Cares?, Boston, Body Work

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Less letter, less mistake..

- Response by oldman52, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, 56-65, Sydney, Retired

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