- An informal and friendly way of saying Yes, Certainly, or Of course.
- Often used to agree to a request or confirm something positively.
Explanation
Origin
- American English colloquialism, emerging likely in the early 20th century.
- Sure means certain or confident. Thing is used idiomatically to refer to the matter at hand.
- Implies that granting the request or confirming the statement is an easy, definite matter ('a sure thing').
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Fo sho. (Slang, from 'for sure')
- Totally.
- Yup. / Yep.
Vulgar/Emphatic (For very strong agreement, less common for simple requests):
- Fuck yeah. / Hell yeah. (Use with extreme caution)
- Damn right.
Milder/Standard:
- Yes.
- Certainly.
- Of course.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Common in everyday interactions, customer service, and among colleagues.
- Generally friendly and positive.
- Might be slightly too informal for very high-stakes or formal settings (e.g., legal proceedings, state dinners), where Certainly or Of course might be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Very low risk. It's a straightforward, positive affirmation.
Examples
- Could you pass the salt? Sure thing.
- Will you be at the party tonight? Sure thing, wouldn't miss it.
- Thanks for your help! Sure thing! (Similar to You're welcome or No problem)
Dialogue
Customer: Can I get a refill on my coffee?
Waiter: Sure thing. Be right back with that.
Customer: Thanks!
Social Media Examples
- Reply to a request in DMs: Can you resend that file? -> Sure thing, sending now.
- Comment on a post asking for recommendations: Anyone know a good cafe nearby? -> @[User] Try The Daily Grind, it's great! -> User: Thanks! -> @[User] Sure thing!
Response Patterns
- The person who made the request usually says Thanks, Thank you, or Great.
- If used as You're welcome, the exchange often ends there.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After agreeing to a request (Sure thing), the speaker usually performs the requested action immediately (e.g., passes the salt).
- The conversation may then continue naturally.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response to a request, question, or statement needing confirmation/agreement.
Intonation
- Usually spoken with a positive, agreeable, and slightly casual tone.
- Often emphasis on Sure. SURE thing.
- Can sound upbeat and helpful.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across most generations in North America. Perhaps slightly less common among the very oldest generation or in very formal British English circles.
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English and Canadian English.
- Used and understood in other regions like the UK and Australia, but perhaps slightly less frequent than local equivalents like No problem or Of course.