Monday, 23 June 2008

USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 3

The United Statesians are well known for their one-size-fits-all: "Have a nice day". Usually at the end of a retail-related conversation or transaction.

Over in France (a country that seems to pride itself on unnecessary complexity) the expression is the equally simple: "Bonne journée".

Unless it's the evening, in which case: "Bonne soirée".

Unless it's Friday evening, when you say: "Bon week-end".

Though on Sunday morning: "Bon dimanche" is the way to go.

And just before any meal: "Bon appétit".

Whatever have-a-nice expression should always be followed by: "Au revoir" (or "à bientôt" or "à tout à l'heure", depending), with each person playing the game, thusly:

PERSON A: "Bonne journée."

PERSON B: "Bonne journée."

PERSON A: "Au revoir."

PERSON B: "Au revoir."

Needful to say, Person B has the opportunity to say (instead of "Bonne journée"): "également".

Or "pareillement".

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