Thanks a bunch
Posted by Smokey Stover on November 02, 2005
In Reply to: Thanks a bunch posted by Bob on November 02, 2005
: : Locally (Wales, UK) the phrase "thanks a bunch" is used in a sarcastic manner meaning "that wasn't very kind of you". I received an e-mail from an American friend and he used the phrase to mean "Thank you very much". Looking through the bulletin board archives I found it used with both meanings. Are they both correct?
: Sure. It all depends on that sarcastic tone of voice. And thanks a bunch for asking.
It started out as a "cute" alternative to the boring old phrase, "Thanks a lot." The latter phrase can also be used sarcastically, depending on the one of voice, although normally it's just a straightforward expression of gratitude. Other expressions to enhance one's thanks appear from time to time. Thanks a heap, thanks a million, come to mind, also, thanks a bushel and a peck. SS