Did you just finish dinner at a friend’s house and thank them for the meal? If they respond with “you’re more than welcome,” what do they mean? Is it possible to be more than welcome? Is that a thing? This post unpacks the mean8ing and origin of this saying.
Meaning
If someone tells you that you are “more than welcome,” they are using hyperbole to extend their gratitude to you for thanking them for something. For instance, if you’re entertaining guests and they thank you for the delicious dinner, you could say, “you are more than welcome.”
No one knows why people use this over the traditional “you are welcome,” but most people feel that it’s just a way to overextend the gratitude involved with the original saying.
Phrases like “Thank You” and “You’re welcome” are in the category of “Phatic Speech.” These are polite commentaries that don’t have any other reason to express gratitude. So, adding the “more” into the saying of “you’re welcome” isn’t necessary, and a redundant form of the phrase.
It adds no value to the original saying, and there is no reason for anyone to assume that it is a more gratuitous format than the original version. Using “you are more than welcome” does nothing to serve the fact that you were waiting for the person to thank you for whatever it was you did for them.
Example Usage
Sandra: “Thank you so much for helping me finish the setup for Allan’s birthday. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Marsha: “You’re more than welcome. I’m glad we managed to finish before everyone arrived.”
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Astrid: “Thanks for your help with the project. You helped me meet the deadline and avoid losing my job. I owe you one.”
Chloe: “You are more than welcome. The last thing I want is to see you get on the wrong side of the boss. We need you on the team.”
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Alex: “I appreciate you giving me the heads up on that sale; I scored an unbelievable deal on that GPU.”
Damon: “You are more than welcome. Just remember to let me know when you come across the same scenario.”
Origin
No one knows the origin of the expression, “you are more than welcome.” English-speaking societies have relied on manners and politeness since the 900s. However, the addition of the word “more” didn’t start appearing in language until around the 1950s.
In response to someone giving them gratitude, women looking to express hyperbole would add “more” to provide more weight to the pleasantry. It’s still a common and polite pleasantry used in everyday speech.
Phrases Similar to You are More than Welcome
- Anytime, anywhere.
- No problem.
- It’s a pleasure.
Phrases Opposite to You are More than Welcome
- That wasn’t worth the effort.
- I shouldn’t have bothered.
What is the Correct Saying?
- You are more than welcome.
Ways People May Say You are More than Welcome Incorrectly
Some people may use the phrase sarcastically, but it is rare. Using the expression ironically or sarcastically would technically be correct, but it’s the less common version of the term. We recommend using this saying to express gratitude more than a sarcastic response.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase You are More than Welcome
You can use the phrase in polite conversation when you’re trying to tell somebody that you are glad to help, and they can rely on you anytime. It’s a way of saying that you enjoy helping the person, and they can ask you to help them out anytime. Usually, you’ll be saying the expression to someone you value in your life, and you’re trying to impress them that you’re happy to help.