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What Does Okay Thanks Mean and Is It Polite?

“Okay thanks”
Generally acceptable
Confidence: High Checked on March 29, 2026

Summary

The phrase “Okay thanks” is widely used as a polite acknowledgment and is not considered rude in most contexts. While a bare “ok” can sometimes seem abrupt, adding “thanks” conveys gratitude and makes the response appropriate for emails and casual conversation.

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Sources 60 searched

sciencedirect.com
languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu
  • Language Log » O.K. is rude

    I write my texts in complete sentences with proper orthography and punctuation as a way of getting back at the young. Okay? ... So thanks to Chas Belov I learn that "kthx" is supposed to mean "okay, thanks" – for years I'd been assuming it was "kilothanks".

clc.hcmus.edu.vn
ucrel.lancs.ac.uk
  • Companion Website for: Word Frequencies in Written and Spoken English

    Books of English word frequencies have in the past suffered from severe limitations of sample size and breadth. They have also tended to be restricted to word forms alone. Most importantly, almost all have dealt only with written language. This book overcomes these limitations.

dictionary.cambridge.org
  • Okay, OK - Grammar - Cambridge Dictionary

    We use okay to say that a situation or state is satisfactory, neither very good or very bad: ‘What do you think of my plans?’ ‘They’re okay,’ Jenny said unenthusiastically.

askamanager.org
  • is it rude to respond to emails with just "ok"? - Ask a Manager

    On the other side… if you’re in a mass emailing, and you want to say OK or Thanks, please don’t click ‘Reply to all’. ... I have no problem with ‘ok’ – and yes, I do it myself – as long as it’s appropriate for the context. Some emails just don’t require a grander response. If I send Jane an email that I’ve gotten her new computer in and I’ll have it set up by Friday what else is there to say except ok – maybe okay, thanks.

en.amazingtalker.com
  • What's a synonym for okay thank you?

    Okay thank you is a very general term or phrase! ... Using the phrase ''okay thank you'' can be said in different ways like for instance, ''all right, I appreciate it'' or '' alright much appreciated '' or lastly '' good, you're very helpful ''.

ell.stackexchange.com

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