Did a colleague just remind you about an important meeting you forgot was happening this afternoon? If so, you could tell them, "thanks for the reminder." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
"Thank you for the reminder" is a polite gesture to say to someone that does you a favor. They could be reminding you about several activities, from attending a meeting to getting that file to your boss on time. The phrase has a formal undertone, making it suitable for professional use, but there is room for it in everyday conversation.
In some cases, you can use the expression sarcastically. For instance, if someone is reminding you to do something you don't like, you could use the phrase in its sarcastic context. Typically, people use it more in the genuine format as a polite display of gratitude.
Example Usage
Gina: "Jill, your meeting is in five minutes."
Jill: "Thank you for the reminder, Gia; I appreciate it. I almost forgot about that ad the boss would have had my head on a platter."
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Greg: "Tom, you have five minutes to the meeting. Are you coming?"
Tom: "Thank you for the reminder, Greg; it's not like I haven't been thinking about that meeting all morning. Go make yourself useful and make the coffee."
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Denis: "Don't forget, the debut episode of "it's always sunny in Philadelphia starts tonight."
Charlie: "Thank you for the reminder; I would have missed it for sure."
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"Thank you for the reminder, but I'm already halfway there right now."
"If it weren't for you, I would be in serious trouble right now. Thank you for the reminder."
Origin
Language experts are unsure about the expression's origin, "thank you for the reminder." However, some speculate that the phrase evolved from the rise of office culture in the 1950s and 60s. The expression is pleasantry and in a format that makes sense for professional use.
As businesses and corporations evolved with communications through faxes and telephones, it was common for subordinates to remind their boss about their appointments during the day. As a result, it was polite to thank the person for the reminder so that they would do it again in the future.
Phrases Similar to Thank You for the Reminder
- Thanks for the heads up.
- Appreciate the reminder.
- I already knew that.
Phrases Opposite to Thank You for the Reminder
- Why no heads up?
What is the Correct Saying?
- Thank you for the reminder.
Ways People May Say Thank You for the Reminder Incorrectly
Using "thank you for the reminder" in a sarcastic tone may end up offending the other person and affect your relationship with them. Therefore, make sure you only use the saying with a slightly sarcastic tone when you're around other people you know. For instance, if you were to say it to your secretary sarcastically, you would be criticizing them for doing their job.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Thank You for the Reminder
You can cause "thank you for the reminder" in social and professional settings. You can use the saying with genuine meaning when thanking others for what they do for you. You can also use the expression sarcastically when trying to impress someone that they didn't try hard enough.
You'll use the saying genuinely when you're thanking someone for their thoughtful reminder as a way of saying, "I appreciate you looking out for me." You can use the phrase sarcastically when you're trying to tell someone that you are aware of the time or the action you need to complete to which they are referring.