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What Does 'Send My Regards' Mean?

Published in Etiquette & Greetings 3 mins read

"Send my regards" is a polite and courteous expression used to convey one's good wishes, respect, or greetings to someone, typically through an intermediary. It's a way of letting someone know you are thinking of them kindly or acknowledging their presence indirectly.

Understanding the Core Meaning

At its heart, "send my regards" breaks down into two key components: "send" (to transmit or convey) and "regards." The term "regards" itself is a courteous way to express good wishes or respect toward the recipient, often appearing at the end of messages or conversations. Therefore, when you "send your regards," you are asking someone to deliver your kind thoughts or respectful greetings on your behalf.

When to Use "Send My Regards"

This phrase is versatile and can be used in various social and professional contexts, particularly when you cannot communicate directly with the person you wish to greet.

Common Scenarios:

  • Through a Mutual Acquaintance: If you encounter a friend of someone you know, you might say, "Please send my regards to John." This is a thoughtful gesture, showing you remember and value John.
  • When Someone is Absent: If a colleague is out sick or on leave, you could tell another team member, "Send my regards to Sarah; I hope she feels better soon."
  • For Formal or Respectful Greetings: In more formal settings, or when addressing someone of higher status, it conveys a respectful tone. For instance, "Kindly send my regards to the Director."
  • Maintaining Connection: It's a subtle way to keep connections alive, even if brief, acknowledging someone's importance.

Nuances and Tone

While "send my regards" is generally polite, its formality can vary slightly depending on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.

  • Politeness and Courtesy: It inherently carries a polite and respectful tone, making it suitable for both casual and more formal interactions.
  • Slightly Formal: Compared to "say hello" or "give my best," "send my regards" can feel a little more formal or traditional, implying a measure of respect or distance, though not necessarily negative.
  • Indirect Communication: It's a form of indirect communication, relying on a third party to complete the message delivery. This makes it ideal for situations where direct contact isn't possible or necessary.

Key Aspects of "Send My Regards"

Here's a quick reference guide summarizing the essential elements of this common phrase:

Aspect Description
Purpose To convey good wishes, respect, or greetings to someone indirectly.
Mechanism Delivered through an intermediary (a third person).
Tone Polite, courteous, often carrying a slightly formal or respectful nuance.
Recipient Someone you wish to acknowledge kindly, remember, or show respect towards.
Usage When direct communication is impractical, or a formal greeting is preferred.

Related Phrases

While "send my regards" is quite specific, there are other expressions that convey similar sentiments, though often with differing levels of formality or personal connection:

  • "Say hello to [Name] for me.": More casual and common.
  • "Give my best to [Name].": Often used for close friends or family, implying warmth and well-wishes.
  • "Please remember me to [Name].": Slightly old-fashioned but conveys a similar meaning of asking to be remembered kindly.

In conclusion, "send my regards" is a time-honored expression for transmitting polite good wishes or respect through another person, signifying thoughtfulness and maintaining social courtesy.