- Never mind

Question

Is there any context where this expression sounds rude or always is a polite expression?

It's benign - lagartijaverde, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 1

It can be said in irritation to someone that you've asked to do something and they give you an answer you don't like. Or if one feels ignored, it can be a passive aggressive comment for the inattention you get from them.

Situation A:

*Hey, sweetheart, would you go get me a bar of soap from the other room?

+No answer. /Get it yourself /or I don't have time.

*Never mind! I'll do it myself!

Situation B:

Yo: Today at work I was really excited about the promotion I got.

Tu: No response, as you continue to watch TV and switch channels.

Yo: Never mind.

Tu: What? Did you say something?

Yo: Yeah, I said never mind.

Got it ,thanks a lot, quite useful - _kib, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 2

It depends on how you say it and the context of the situation.

In general, to be polite, I like to add a short explanation.

For example:

"Can you help me find my wallet?"

"Sure!"

"Nevermind! I found it!"

I agree. Often it is just said when a person has figured out the answer on their own, so they say, "oh, never mind". - katydew, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 3

It is polite and works in almost any situation.

If somebody should tell you that ' Yesterday my brother was found guilty of manslaughter and he has been given a prison sentence of 20 years.' then the reply ' Never mind' would sound slightly callous. Like saying ' No importa' , really.

I hope this helps.

:) - ian-hill, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 4

Well, I learned something new today: I have been spelling never mind wrong for a very long time... :(... And I am supposedly a good speller! Oh well, never mind!

Releif, I got quite worried that I had been spelling it wrongly for about 40 years.. nevermind,my girl. - annierats, Nov 16, 2012

Typo: relief. On this site, you just say ' typo' Debiera, and nobody willnotice. I hope, anyway. I make a few. - annierats, Nov 16, 2012

Debiera: How did you spell ¨never mind¨. Its suposed that you are english native speaker right? Sorry if a sounded rude - _kib, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 5

I quite often write "ntp" to my son while we're instant messaging and he hasn't yet taken offence. Whyever should he?

If it doesn't come instantly to you ntp = "no te preocupes".