[Maritime Q-Scout]

Personally I like using the term 'cheers'. I almost always sign off my e-mails with it, and do incorporate it into my everyday usage. I don't go around saying 'g'day mate' and 'I'll have another ale, cheers', but I do think it puts an additional spin on something that is all too commonly said in passing.

Saying thanks in our society, a door is help open for you, you're handed your purchase at the store, someone stops for you in a sidewalk. It seems we say "thanks" as an acknowledgement of someone doing something for you that they were supposed to, or expected to do. If it's something very meaningful a look in the eye and saying "thank you" tends to be a bit more powerful. But what if it was something small, yet unexpected? A simple 'thanks' can go unnoticed but you want to show that you really did notice what was done, I find 'cheers' works well.

In addition after having a good conversation with someone saying 'cheers' as a goodbye also has the same effect. It's common enough that it isn't out of place, yet uncommon enough to take notice.

In short, I use 'cheers' and will continue to use the term.

Bite me,

~ Jon