Are you team “thankies” or team “thanks”? The age-old debate over which word is the proper way to express gratitude has been ongoing for years. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of both words and settle the score once and for all.
We should establish which of the two is the proper word to use. While “thankies” may sound cute and endearing, it is not a formal or standard way of expressing gratitude. “Thanks” is the correct and widely accepted term to use in most situations.
That being said, both words convey the same sentiment of appreciation. “Thankies” is often used in a more casual or playful context, while “thanks” is more commonly used in formal situations.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the meanings and connotations of both words, as well as explore their usage in different contexts.
Define Thankies
Thankies is a slang term that is used to express gratitude or appreciation. It is a variation of the word “thanks” and is often used in a playful or informal context. The term “thankies” is commonly used in online communication, such as social media platforms, messaging apps, and forums.
Thankies is often used as an alternative to “thanks” when someone wants to express their gratitude in a more lighthearted or humorous way. It is also commonly used among friends and family members who have a close relationship and enjoy using playful language with each other.
While “thankies” is not a formal or traditional way of expressing gratitude, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among younger generations who enjoy using slang and informal language in their daily communication.
Define Thanks
Thanks is a formal expression of gratitude or appreciation. It is a word that is used to acknowledge someone’s kindness or help. The word “thanks” is derived from the Old English word “thanċian,” which means to give thanks or to thank.
Thanks is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts. It can be used in formal situations, such as when writing a business email or a thank-you note. It can also be used in informal situations, such as when thanking a friend or family member for their help or support.
When expressing gratitude, it is important to use the appropriate tone and language for the situation. In formal situations, it is best to use “thanks” or “thank you” to show respect and professionalism. In informal situations, “thanks” can be used, but other variations such as “thank you so much” or “thanks a lot” can also be used to express a more casual tone.
| Thankies | Thanks |
|---|---|
| Informal | Formal |
| Playful | Respectful |
| Used in online communication | Used in various situations |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “thankies” and “thanks” in a sentence.
How To Use “Thankies” In A Sentence
“Thankies” is a colloquial term used to express gratitude. It is commonly used among friends and family members in informal settings. Here are some examples of how to use “thankies” in a sentence:
- “Thankies for helping me with my project.”
- “I got an A on my exam, thankies to your study tips.”
- “Thankies for the lovely birthday gift.”
As you can see, “thankies” is used in a similar way to “thank you,” but with a more playful and informal tone. It is important to note that “thankies” should only be used in casual settings and not in formal situations.
How To Use “Thanks” In A Sentence
“Thanks” is a more formal way of expressing gratitude. It is commonly used in professional settings or when addressing someone you are not familiar with. Here are some examples of how to use “thanks” in a sentence:
- “Thanks for considering my job application.”
- “I appreciate your help, thanks.”
- “Thanks for the invitation to your event.”
As you can see, “thanks” is a more straightforward and formal way of expressing gratitude. It is important to use “thanks” in professional settings to maintain a level of professionalism and respect.
In conclusion, using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. “Thankies” and “thanks” are both used to express gratitude, but in different settings. Use “thankies” in casual settings among friends and family members, and “thanks” in professional settings or when addressing someone you are not familiar with.
More Examples Of Thankies & Thanks Used In Sentences
When it comes to expressing gratitude, the English language offers a variety of options. Two common ways to say “thank you” are “thankies” and “thanks.” Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Thankies In A Sentence
- “Thankies for the lovely gift!”
- “I just wanted to say thankies for all your hard work.”
- “Thankies so much for your help with this project.”
- “Thankies for being such a great friend.”
- “I owe you a big thankies for helping me out of that jam.”
- “Thankies for the kind words.”
- “I want to give a big thankies to everyone who made this event possible.”
- “Thankies for understanding my situation.”
- “Thankies for taking the time to listen.”
- “I’m sending a big thankies your way for all that you do.”
Examples Of Using Thanks In A Sentence
- “Thanks for the ride home.”
- “I just wanted to say thanks for your help.”
- “Thanks so much for your support.”
- “Thanks for being there when I needed you.”
- “I owe you a big thanks for everything.”
- “Thanks for the encouragement.”
- “I want to give thanks to all the volunteers who made this event a success.”
- “Thanks for being such a great friend.”
- “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me.”
- “I’m sending thanks your way for all that you do.”
Whether you choose to say “thankies” or “thanks,” expressing gratitude is always appreciated. These simple words can go a long way in making someone feel valued and appreciated.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to expressing gratitude, people often use the words “thankies” and “thanks” interchangeably. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using these words, which can lead to confusion or even offense. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Thankies” In Formal Or Professional Settings
“Thankies” is a more casual and playful version of “thanks.” While it may be appropriate to use “thankies” with friends or family members, it is not the best choice for formal or professional settings. Using “thankies” in a job interview, for example, may give the impression that you are not taking the opportunity seriously. Instead, opt for the more formal “thanks.”
Using “Thanks” In Situations That Require More Gratitude
While “thanks” is a perfectly acceptable way to express gratitude, it may not always convey the depth of your appreciation. For example, if someone has gone out of their way to help you, a simple “thanks” may not seem sufficient. In these situations, it is better to use a more heartfelt expression of gratitude, such as “thank you so much” or “I really appreciate it.”
Using “Thankies” As A Substitute For An Apology
Some people use “thankies” as a way to apologize for something they have done wrong. For example, if someone accidentally bumps into you, they may say “thankies” instead of “sorry.” However, this usage of “thankies” can be confusing and even offensive, as it implies that the other person should be grateful for the mistake. Instead of using “thankies” in this way, it is better to simply apologize and move on.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to be mindful of the context in which you are using these words. If you are unsure whether to use “thankies” or “thanks,” err on the side of formality and use “thanks.” If you want to express deeper gratitude, take the time to think of a more personalized and heartfelt expression. And if you need to apologize, do so directly and sincerely, without using “thankies” as a substitute.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “thankies” and “thanks” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words express gratitude, their usage can vary depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between “thankies” and “thanks” might change:
| Context | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Formal Business Email | Thanks |
| Informal Text Message to a Friend | Thankies |
| Customer Service Interaction | Thanks |
| Thank You Card to a Family Member | Thankies |
As shown in the table above, the choice between “thankies” and “thanks” can depend on the level of formality in the context. For example, in a formal business email, it is more appropriate to use “thanks” to express gratitude. On the other hand, in an informal text message to a friend, “thankies” can be used to convey a more casual and friendly tone.
Additionally, the relationship between the speaker and the recipient can also influence the choice between “thankies” and “thanks”. In a customer service interaction where the speaker is expressing gratitude to a representative, “thanks” is more appropriate. However, in a thank you card to a family member, “thankies” can be used to express a more personal and affectionate tone.
Ultimately, the choice between “thankies” and “thanks” depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the recipient. It is important to consider these factors when expressing gratitude in order to convey the appropriate tone and level of formality.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using thankies and thanks are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain situations, using one over the other may not be appropriate or may convey a different meaning than intended.
Exception 1: Formal Settings
In formal settings, such as business emails or academic papers, it is generally more appropriate to use “thanks” over “thankies.” The latter may come across as too informal or even childish in these contexts, which could undermine the credibility of the writer.
For example, if you are writing a cover letter for a job application, you would want to use “thanks” to express gratitude for the opportunity to apply and to convey a professional tone. Using “thankies” could make you seem unprofessional or unprepared.
Exception 2: Regional Differences
Regional differences in language and culture can also affect the use of thankies vs thanks. In some parts of the world, “thankies” may be more commonly used than “thanks,” while in others, the opposite may be true.
For example, in some parts of the southern United States, “thankies” is a common colloquialism that is used in everyday speech. However, in other parts of the country or in more formal settings, “thanks” would be the more appropriate choice.
Exception 3: Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between using thankies or thanks may come down to personal preference or style. Some people may prefer the more casual and playful tone of “thankies,” while others may prefer the more traditional and formal tone of “thanks.”
It’s important to keep in mind the context and audience when making this choice, however. Using the wrong form could convey the wrong tone or message, so it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and stick with the more appropriate option.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between thankies and thanks, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either thankies or thanks:
- _____ for helping me with my project.
- I received a lot of _____ for my performance on stage.
- My friend always says _____ instead of thank you.
- _____ to my parents for supporting me through college.
Answer Key:
- Thanks
- Thankies
- Thankies
- Thanks
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using either thankies or thanks:
- It was nice of you to help me out.
- She gave me a gift for my birthday.
- He always opens the door for me.
- They invited me to their party.
Answer Key:
- Thanks for helping me out.
- Thankies for the birthday gift.
- Thanks for always opening the door for me.
- Thankies for inviting me to your party.
By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use thankies and thanks in sentences. Remember, thankies is a more casual and informal way of expressing gratitude, while thanks is more formal and appropriate for professional settings.
Conclusion
After examining the usage and origins of “thankies” and “thanks,” it is clear that “thanks” is the more widely accepted and appropriate term to use in most situations. While “thankies” may be considered cute or casual in some contexts, it is not considered standard English and may be viewed as unprofessional or immature in certain settings.
It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving and there may be variations or slang terms that become accepted in the future. However, for now, it is best to stick with the more established and accepted term of “thanks” in formal and professional settings.
Key Takeaways
- “Thankies” is a non-standard English term that is not widely accepted in formal or professional settings.
- “Thanks” is the more appropriate and widely accepted term to use in most situations.
- Language is constantly evolving, but it is important to be aware of appropriate usage in different contexts.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes that may impact their professional or personal lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.