Don't mention it

[0046] No biggie

🎲 Word
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Means It's not a problem or It's not a big deal.
  • Used to downplay the significance of something, often an apology or a minor inconvenience.

Origin

  • Shortening of No big deal.
  • Popularized in American English slang, likely mid-to-late 20th century.
  • Reflects a casual, laid-back attitude.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • No problem.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • It's fine. / It's alright.
  • No worries. (Especially Aus/NZ/UK)
  • Not a big deal.
  • Think nothing of it. (Slightly more formal)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • S'all good. (Short for It's all good)
  • No sweat.
  • Ain't no thang. (AAVE influence, playful)
  • NBD. (Acronym, common in text/online)

Milder/Standard:

  • It's quite alright.
  • Please don't mention it.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Suitable for friends, colleagues (in casual contexts), and everyday situations.
  • Avoid in very formal settings or when the issue *is* actually significant.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might not grasp the casual, dismissive nature and think it means not a large object.
  • Ensure the context (usually following an apology or minor issue) is clear.

Examples

  • Person A: Oops, I spilled a little water. Person B: No biggie, I'll clean it up.
  • Sorry I'm a few minutes late. No biggie, we haven't started yet.

Dialogue

Sam: Shoot, I forgot to bring back that book I borrowed. Sorry!

Chris: Ah, no biggie. Just bring it next time you see me.

Sam: Okay, cool. Thanks!

Social Media Examples

  • Reply to apology tweet: Dude, no biggie! Tech issues happen. 😉
  • Instagram caption (if someone bumped into them during photo): Got photobombed lol. No biggie, still a good shot! 😂 #oops
  • Chat: Friend A: Sorry, can't make it tonight. Friend B: Aw okay, nbd! Raincheck?

Response Patterns

  • Oh, okay, thanks.
  • Cool, thanks.
  • Phew, glad to hear it.
  • Sometimes just a nod or moving on.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says No biggie in response to an apology:

  • The person who apologized might say Thanks or Appreciate it.
  • They might then help fix the minor issue if applicable (Here, let me help clean that up anyway.)
  • The conversation usually moves on quickly.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Always used as a response, typically to an apology or expression of concern.

Intonation

  • Generally spoken with a light, casual tone.
  • Falling intonation at the end.
  • Stress often on big: No BIGgie.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood, but perhaps slightly more common among Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
  • Older generations might prefer No problem or It's alright.

Regional Variations

  • Predominantly North American, but understood in other English-speaking regions.
  • No worries is more common in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
Don't mention it
🎲 Word