In 15 Seconds
- A casual British way to say thank you in daily life.
- The standard word used when clinking glasses for a toast.
- A friendly way to end a conversation or a text message.
Meaning
In the UK and Australia, it is a very common way to say 'thank you' or 'goodbye'. It is also the universal word used when clinking glasses before a drink.
Key Examples
3 of 7A stranger holds the door open for you
Cheers! That's very kind of you.
Thanks! That's very kind of you.
Ending a casual email to a teammate
I'll see you at the meeting. Cheers, Sarah.
I'll see you at the meeting. Thanks/Goodbye, Sarah.
Clinking glasses at a pub
Cheers to your new job! Let's drink!
To your new job! Let's drink!
Cultural Background
It is almost mandatory to say 'Cheers' or 'Thanks' to a bus driver when exiting through the front door. In Bristol, the specific phrase 'Cheers, drive!' is a famous local quirk. Often paired with 'mate' or 'no worries'. It reflects the 'egalitarian' spirit of Australian culture where formal thanks can sometimes feel too stiff. Using 'Cheers' as a sign-off in emails is often seen as a 'classy' or 'international' choice, but using it for 'thank you' in person might get you a confused look. Similar to the UK, but often used with even more frequency. It's common to hear 'Cheers, thanks a million!' combining both casual and enthusiastic gratitude.
The Eye Contact Rule
In many Western cultures, it is considered polite (or even lucky) to make eye contact when saying 'Cheers' and clinking glasses.
The US Trap
Remember that in the US, 'Cheers' is for beer, not for 'bye'. Use 'Thanks' or 'See ya' instead to sound more natural.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual British way to say thank you in daily life.
- The standard word used when clinking glasses for a toast.
- A friendly way to end a conversation or a text message.
What It Means
Cheers is the Swiss Army knife of British English. At its heart, it means 'thank you'. It is warm, friendly, and very versatile. You use it to acknowledge small favors. It shows you are relaxed and polite. It is not just about drinking anymore. It is about a quick connection between people.
How To Use It
Use it like a verbal high-five. When someone holds a door, say Cheers. When the bus driver stops, shout Cheers as you exit. In a text, it works as a sign-off. You can even combine it with names. Try Cheers, mate for a classic British vibe. It is short, so keep your tone light and bouncy.
When To Use It
You can use it dozens of times a day. Use it at the grocery store with the cashier. Use it when a colleague sends you a file. It is perfect for casual emails. Use it when someone gives you a compliment. Of course, use it when raising a glass of beer. It fits almost any low-stakes social interaction.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very serious or somber moments. Do not say Cheers at a funeral. Avoid it in highly formal legal settings. If you are meeting the King, stick to 'Thank you, Your Majesty'. It might feel too casual for a high-pressure job interview. If someone saves your life, Cheers might feel a bit too small. Use a 'Thank you so much' instead.
Cultural Background
The word comes from the old French word 'chiere' meaning 'face' or 'expression'. It originally meant to be in good spirits. By the 20th century, it became the standard drinking toast. The British later adopted it as a general 'thanks'. It reflects a culture that prefers casual politeness over grand gestures. It is the sound of a society functioning smoothly.
Common Variations
You will hear Cheers then when someone is leaving. Big cheers is used for a slightly larger favor. In London, you might hear Chers with a very short vowel. Some people use Cheerio as a cute, old-fashioned goodbye. In Australia, it is often paired with No worries. It is a global favorite with a local soul.
Usage Notes
Mainly informal to neutral. It is the default 'thank you' in British English for minor interactions. Avoid in high-formality settings.
The Eye Contact Rule
In many Western cultures, it is considered polite (or even lucky) to make eye contact when saying 'Cheers' and clinking glasses.
The US Trap
Remember that in the US, 'Cheers' is for beer, not for 'bye'. Use 'Thanks' or 'See ya' instead to sound more natural.
The 'Mate' Pairing
In the UK and Australia, 'Cheers, mate' is the ultimate friendly phrase for men, but it's increasingly used by everyone.
Examples
7Cheers! That's very kind of you.
Thanks! That's very kind of you.
A very common way to acknowledge a small gesture.
I'll see you at the meeting. Cheers, Sarah.
I'll see you at the meeting. Thanks/Goodbye, Sarah.
Acts as a friendly sign-off in a professional but casual setting.
Cheers to your new job! Let's drink!
To your new job! Let's drink!
The traditional use of the word as a toast.
Cheers, have a lovely afternoon!
Thanks, have a lovely afternoon!
Used here as both 'thanks' and a 'goodbye'.
Cheers for the help, I owe you a beer!
Thanks for the help, I owe you a beer!
Shows appreciation for a favor.
See you at 8. Cheers!
See you at 8. Thanks/Bye!
A quick way to end a text exchange.
Oh, cheers! You really shouldn't have!
Oh, thanks! You really shouldn't have!
Expresses warm gratitude for a surprise.
Test Yourself
Which is the most appropriate use of 'Cheers' in a US context?
You are at a bar with American colleagues. What do you say before drinking?
In the US, 'Cheers' is primarily used as a toast.
Complete the sentence using 'Cheers' and the correct preposition.
_______ _______ the lift home, I really appreciate it!
We use 'Cheers for' followed by a noun or gerund to say thank you.
Match the 'Cheers' usage to the situation.
1. Clinking glasses. 2. Leaving a shop. 3. Ending a phone call.
Cheers is a multi-tool word with different meanings based on context.
Fill in the missing word in this British dialogue.
A: Can you pass me that pen? B: Here you go. A: ______.
In the UK, 'Cheers' is a very common way to say thanks for a small object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Three Faces of 'Cheers'
The Toast
- • Pubs
- • Parties
- • Celebrations
The Thanks
- • Shops
- • Small favors
- • Emails
The Bye
- • Leaving friends
- • Ending calls
- • Sign-offs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are at a bar with American colleagues. What do you say before drinking?
In the US, 'Cheers' is primarily used as a toast.
_______ _______ the lift home, I really appreciate it!
We use 'Cheers for' followed by a noun or gerund to say thank you.
1. Clinking glasses. 2. Leaving a shop. 3. Ending a phone call.
Cheers is a multi-tool word with different meanings based on context.
A: Can you pass me that pen? B: Here you go. A: ______.
In the UK, 'Cheers' is a very common way to say thanks for a small object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn the UK/Australia, yes, if the office culture is casual. In the US, it's better to stick to 'Thanks' or 'Best'.
It looks plural, but it functions as a single interjection. You don't say 'a cheer' to mean 'a thank you'.
No, you can just raise your glass toward the other person if they are across the table.
It only means 'goodbye', never 'thank you' or a toast, and it's quite old-fashioned.
It's a British cultural habit of acknowledging service workers in a friendly, equal way.
No, it will sound too small. Use 'Thank you so much' for significant things.
Yes, though 'mate' is traditionally male, it is becoming more gender-neutral in many parts of the UK.
Usually just a quick 'Thanks!' or 'Got it, thanks!'
As a toast, usually yes, but you can say it with water or soda in a social setting.
It's informal/colloquial, but not quite 'slang'. It's acceptable in most daily conversations.
Related Phrases
Cheerio
similarAn old-fashioned way to say goodbye.
Bottoms up
specialized formA toast meaning 'drink it all'.
Thanks a bunch
similarA casual thank you.
Take care
similarA way to say goodbye.
To your health
formalA formal drinking toast.
