Lexi Webster
Australian slang is renowned for its unique and colourful phrases, and 'cheers' is one of them. It's used as an informal way of saying 'thank you' or goodbye and is commonly heard in Australia, whether it's at the end of a phone call, in an email sign-off, or when buying a coffee. While some sources suggest that the use of 'cheers' as a 'thank you' is a relatively new phenomenon, others claim it has been part of Australian English for decades, if not centuries. The term is also used in other former crown colonies like the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Informal/slang way of saying "thank you", "goodbye", or "salutations" |
| Usage | Used in both casual and business contexts |
| Synonyms | "Ta", "Thanks", "Thank you", "Kind Regards" |
| Origin | May have originated in the United Kingdom, also used in Ireland and other former crown colonies like New Zealand |
| History | Used in Australia since the 1990s |
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What You'll Learn
'Cheers' as a colloquialism
"Cheers" is a colloquialism in Australian English, used as an informal way of saying "thank you" or goodbye. Its usage in Australia likely originated in the United Kingdom, as it is commonly used there, as well as in other former crown colonies like New Zealand and Ireland.
While some sources suggest that "cheers" has been used as a casual way of saying "thank you" in Australia since the 1990s, others claim that it has been a part of Australian English for decades, if not centuries. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, including in emails and business communication, and is often paired with "mate" to convey a sense of friendship or acquaintance.
In addition to its use as a thank you or goodbye, "cheers" can also be used as a toast when drinking with others. Australians are known for their casual expression of gratitude, and "cheers" fits well within this cultural context.
The use of "cheers" in Australia is not limited to face-to-face interactions but also extends to written communication. It is commonly used as an email sign-off, providing a friendly alternative to more formal expressions like "kind regards". This usage is particularly common when the relationship with the recipient is more casual or familiar.
While "cheers" is widely used in Australia, it is worth noting that some Australians also use the word "'ta" as an even more informal way of saying thank you. The use of "ta" is considered unique to Australian English and may be perceived as controversial, with some people considering it uncultured while others view it as normal.
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'Cheers' as a form of goodbye
"Cheers" is commonly used in Australian English as an informal way of saying "thank you" and "goodbye". It can be used in casual conversations among friends and acquaintances, as well as in semi-serious situations, such as expressing gratitude to someone who helped with a car breakdown. Its usage as a form of farewell or thanks has been observed in Australia for decades, if not centuries.
The word "cheers" in Australian English is quite versatile and can be used in various contexts. For instance, it can be used when leaving a cafe after purchasing a coffee, or in a business setting, where Australians might sign off emails with "Cheers" instead of "Kind regards". This usage is particularly common once a certain level of familiarity has been established with the recipient.
The origin of "cheers" in Australian English is believed to be influenced by the language of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other former crown colonies like New Zealand. However, it has become a distinctive part of Australian slang due to the country's relative isolation from other English-speaking nations.
While the use of "cheers" as a form of goodbye is prevalent in Australia, it is worth noting that there are regional variations within the country. For example, some sources suggest that the usage of "cheers" as a form of farewell or thanks is more common in certain parts of Queensland, Australia, while others might use it less frequently.
In conclusion, "cheers" is a widely recognised colloquialism in Australian English, often used as a form of goodbye or to express gratitude. Its usage varies across regions and individuals, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of Australian slang.
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'Cheers' as a form of thank you
Australians are known for their casual and informal way of speaking. Saying "thank you" is usually informal, and while they are a grateful bunch, they don't tend to make a big deal out of expressing gratitude. Instead, they might say “cheers” as a casual way of saying "thanks". This is also used as a farewell, similar to "goodbye", and can be heard in both social and business contexts.
"Cheers" has been used as a colloquialism in Australia for decades, if not centuries, and is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, as it is commonly used there, as well as in other former crown colonies like New Zealand and Ireland. It is often used at the end of a phone call, almost as a “thanks for everything” comment before hanging up. It is also commonly heard in cafes, for example, when someone buys a flat white (a type of coffee) and is leaving.
In addition to "cheers", Australians also say "ta" instead of "thanks". This is considered very informal and somewhat controversial, as some people view it as uncultured. However, others see it as a normal part of the language. "Ta" is typically used in casual conversations between friends, acquaintances, or even strangers.
So, if you're ever in Australia and someone does something nice for you, don't be surprised if you find yourself hearing "cheers, mate" or a simple "ta" as a form of gratitude. It's all part of the unique and laid-back Australian way of expressing thanks.
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'Cheers' in a business context
"Cheers" is a common expression in Australian English and is frequently used in a business context. It is often used as an informal way of saying "thank you" and can be heard in various settings, including casual conversations among friends or acquaintances and even in more formal environments like workplaces.
In a business context, "cheers" can be used as a sign-off in emails or other written communication. Australians may use "cheers" instead of more formal closures like "kind regards" when they are familiar with the recipient. This usage reflects the casual nature of Australian culture and their tendency to downplay gratitude by saying "thank you" informally.
"Cheers" is also commonly used in verbal communication within a business setting. For instance, it can be said at the end of a phone call as a way of expressing gratitude and farewell simultaneously. This usage is not limited to Australia, as people from other parts of the world, particularly the Commonwealth, also use "cheers" in this context.
The versatility of "cheers" extends beyond written and verbal communication. It can also be used when raising a toast during business-related drinks or social events. This usage is particularly common in Australia and other Commonwealth nations.
While "cheers" is widely accepted as a casual way to express gratitude and farewell, some Australians prefer other slang terms like "ta." The use of "ta" instead of "thanks" is considered quite unique to Australian English, though it is viewed as controversial by some who deem it uncultured.
In conclusion, "cheers" is a versatile expression in Australian English that is commonly used in a business context. It serves as an informal way to express gratitude and farewell, either in written or verbal communication, and can also be used during toasts at social gatherings. While it is a widely accepted slang term, alternatives like "ta" are also used by some Australians, particularly the older generation.
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'Cheers' in Australian and British English
Australians frequently use the term "cheers" as an informal way of saying "thank you" or goodbye. The phrase is often used in a business context, with Australians signing off emails with "cheers" instead of "kind regards". The term can also be used to express gratitude in more serious situations, such as when someone helps fix a broken-down car.
While some sources suggest that the use of "cheers" as a form of thanks in Australia is a relatively recent phenomenon, dating back to the 1990s, others claim that it has been a part of Australian English for decades, if not centuries. It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other former crown colonies, and made its way to Australia, where it has become a common expression.
In addition to "cheers", Australians also use the terms "ta" or "thanks heaps" as informal ways of expressing gratitude. "Ta" is considered quite unique to Australian English and can be seen as controversial, with some people viewing it as uncultured while others consider it normal. "Thanks heaps" is used when someone does something particularly helpful and might be followed by "mate" to indicate friendship or acquaintance.
Overall, the use of "cheers" in Australian English is a well-established and common expression, often used interchangeably with "thanks" or "thank you" in various contexts, reflecting the casual and friendly nature of Australian culture.
In British English, "cheers" is also commonly used and has a similar meaning to its Australian counterpart. It serves as an informal expression of gratitude or a friendly farewell. The term is widely accepted and understood throughout the United Kingdom, and its usage is not limited to any specific region or demographic. "Cheers" in British English is often used in social settings, such as when clinking glasses for a toast or expressing appreciation for a kind gesture. It conveys a sense of warmth and camaraderie, making it a versatile and popular expression in British culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australians do say 'cheers'. It is used as an informal way of saying thank you, goodbye, or salutations.
It is unclear when 'cheers' became a colloquialism in Australia, but it has been used since at least the 1990s.
Yes, 'cheers' is used in a business context in Australia, especially in emails.
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