The appropriate response after "cheers" largely depends on the context, whether it's a verbal exchange (like a toast or a thank you) or a written communication (such as an email sign-off). There isn't a single, definitive reply, as the best approach considers the specific situation, the tone of the interaction, the relationship with the other person, and cultural nuances.
Responding to "Cheers" in Verbal Communication
When "cheers" is used verbally, it often serves as a toast, a casual thank you, or a farewell. Your reply should match the intent and maintain the amicable tone.
- As a Toast:
- If someone says "Cheers!" while raising a glass, you can reciprocate by saying:
- "Cheers!" (returning the toast)
- "To us!"
- "To that!"
- "Hear, hear!" (more formal)
- A simple nod and smile while clinking glasses.
- If someone says "Cheers!" while raising a glass, you can reciprocate by saying:
- As a Casual "Thank You" or "You're Welcome":
- In British English, "cheers" is frequently used instead of "thank you" or "you're welcome." Common replies include:
- "No problem!"
- "You're welcome!"
- "My pleasure!"
- "Anytime!"
- "Cheers!" (to acknowledge receipt of thanks or to reciprocate "you're welcome")
- In British English, "cheers" is frequently used instead of "thank you" or "you're welcome." Common replies include:
- As a Farewell:
- Sometimes "cheers" is used as a casual goodbye. You can reply with:
- "Cheers!"
- "Bye!"
- "See ya!"
- "Take care!"
- Sometimes "cheers" is used as a casual goodbye. You can reply with:
Replying to "Cheers" as an Email Sign-off
When "cheers" is used as an email closing, your reply should reflect the nature of the email and your relationship with the sender. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best response depends on the email's purpose and tone, your familiarity with the sender, and the cultural context of both parties.
Factors to Consider
Before formulating your response, think about:
- Your Relationship with the Sender:
- Close colleague or friend: More casual replies are acceptable.
- Client or senior management: A more formal closing might be appropriate, especially if this is an initial interaction.
- New contact: Err on the side of professionalism.
- The Email's Tone and Purpose:
- Casual or informal request: A relaxed reply is fine.
- Formal business communication: A standard professional closing is usually safer.
- Quick acknowledgment: A brief, direct response.
- A task completed: A thank you is often warranted.
- Cultural Context:
- "Cheers" as a sign-off is more common in certain regions (e.g., UK, Australia, New Zealand) than others (e.g., US). Be mindful of how it's typically perceived in your shared professional environment.
Common Reply Strategies and Examples
Here's a guide to how you might respond, with examples:
Scenario | Your Relationship | Recommended Reply Strategies | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Acknowledgement/Confirmation | Casual/Familiar | Match their casual tone; simply acknowledge receipt or confirmation. | "Got it, thanks!" "Understood!" "Thanks for letting me know." "Cheers back!" |
Expressing Thanks | Casual/Familiar | Express gratitude in a friendly manner. | "Thanks so much for your help!" "Appreciate it!" "That's brilliant, thank you!" |
Responding to a Request | Casual/Familiar | Acknowledge the request and state next steps. | "No problem, I'll get on that." "Happy to help!" "Will do, thanks!" |
Maintaining Professionalism | Less Familiar/Formal | If you prefer to maintain a professional tone, or if the context warrants it, use standard professional closings regardless of their "cheers." This is often the safest bet when in doubt or with new contacts. | "Kind regards," "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thanks," (as a closing, e.g., "Thanks,\n[Your Name]") "Regards," "All the best," |
Continuing the Thread | Any | If your reply is part of an ongoing conversation and a closing isn't strictly necessary, you might omit one or use a very brief one. However, it's generally good practice to include a closing, even if short. | If no closing is needed: Simply your name after your message. If a brief closing is preferred: "Thanks," "Best," |
When to Avoid Mirroring | Formal/New Client | While mirroring the sender's tone can build rapport, if the sender is significantly more senior, a new client, or if you're in a more formal industry, it's often better to stick with a standard professional closing. "Cheers" can sometimes be perceived as overly informal in specific business contexts, particularly in American English. | If they sign off with "Cheers," but you want to maintain formality, simply reply with your standard professional closing such as: "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thank you," followed by your name. This clearly communicates that you've received their message and are responding professionally, without needing to match their informal closing. |
Ultimately, the goal is effective communication and maintaining a respectful and appropriate tone for the relationship and situation. When in doubt, a slightly more formal or standard closing like "Best regards" or "Thanks" is generally a safe and widely accepted choice.