QOTD: What salutation do you prefer to use and receive?
Perhaps in my mind I am living in the Middle Ages when Old English was still the norm, but when I receive a letter or a message that begins with “Dear,” I can’t help but feel as though I’d just swallowed a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup or received a big bear hug from an old friend.
Nowadays, the salutation “Dear” seems to be most often used between co-workers, in student emails to instructors, and other more professional and formal written exchanges of communication. What I love about “Dear” is not only the respect embedded within the word, but also the fact that it carries such an affectionate sense of caring, fondness and amiability. We have gotten so caught up in today’s convenient “American language” and colloquialism that acknowledgments such as “Hey,” “Hi,” and “‘Sup” have replaced more traditional ways of greeting people.
Of course, I would be a fool as to say that I myself don’t use those expressions, because I do. All the time. That being said, I will always have a soft spot for the word “dear,” and try to use it when I can and when it’s appropriate–even when I am just writing friends. I like to give them the sense of warm, glowing fuzziness that I tend to get when someone calls me “dear.” It’s just nice to hear, you know?
Of course, I would be a fool as to say that I myself don’t use those expressions, because I do. All the time. That being said, I will always have a soft spot for the word “dear,” and try to use it when I can and when it’s appropriate–even when I am just writing friends. I like to give them the sense of warm, glowing fuzziness that I tend to get when someone calls me “dear.” It’s just nice to hear, you know?
Just for fun, here is one of my favorite clips that show the cast of Harry Potter speaking “American.” Hilarious.
What do you think about the progression of the American language over the years? Should the degree of respect and formality in salutations really matter? Is it really that important to use greetings at the beginning of an email or a chat session on Facebook?
I almost always use greetings at the beginning of an email, unless it’s someone I feel I know well enough. Sometimes it depends on what the other person does–if they don’t use a greeting (or a sign-off), I’ll consider it less important.
Boo-yah. LOL.
I do think some formality is called for in certain situations. I’m not partial to the “Dear . .” salutation though. It sounds too familiar.
I like to start business letters with something like “Greetings” or “Good Day”, or just using the person’s name.
Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean it can’t stand some changes. Formal correspondence is one of those things I think should be updated. Maybe not quite boo-ya :) but “Dear” and “Sincerely” have certainly outlived the sentiments.
……..dhole
I am exactly the same, with the word “dear”. It makes me feel… Royal. Epic. Or really… More like… Important to someone. Important enough for them to take the time to address a letter/email/text PERSONALLY to me. It’s old-fashioned, but very… . <3
depends on where you are from i think :) that effect what you think is posh and what’s not.
XOXO, BECCA
http://www.fashion-train.co.uk
lol, great video.
Language is always changing. New words will come in, other words will fade. So, it’s nothing new. Otherwise we’d still be saying things like thee, thou, etc …
<3
I like beginning with Dear as well. =D Have a great weekend.
oh i’ve seen this video of the harry potter cast–it’s so cute! thanks for sharing TRA! :)