0839 No worries - English Idioms

Explanation

A very common, versatile Australian/New Zealand phrase that has spread globally. It primarily means that's alright, no problem, don't worry about it, or you're welcome. It signifies that something is not a problem or concern, or acknowledges thanks gracefully.

Origin

Popularized in Australia starting around the 1960s, embodying a characteristically laid-back, easy-going national attitude.
Spread quickly to New Zealand, and then internationally to the UK and North America, partly through cultural exports (e.g., films like Crocodile Dundee, personalities like Steve Irwin) and travel.
It functions as a multipurpose reassurance and politeness marker.

Alternatives

Informal Synonyms:

No problem / No prob
It's cool / All cool / S'all good
Don't sweat it
No biggie / No big deal / NBD
Sure thing (esp. for agreement/requests)
You bet (US, esp. for 'you're welcome')
All good (Aus/NZ/US)

Slightly More Formal Synonyms:

You're welcome (Response to thanks)
My pleasure (Response to thanks, polite)
That's quite alright (Response to apology)
Certainly / Of course (Response to request)
Think nothing of it (Response to thanks/apology, slightly dated)

Standard English Equivalents:

Do not worry.
It is not a problem.

Situational Appropriateness

Ranges from informal to semi-formal.
Extremely common and appropriate in most everyday situations in Australia and New Zealand.
Also very common and widely accepted in the UK and increasingly in the US, especially in casual and customer service contexts.
In the most highly formal situations, a more traditional phrase like You're welcome (for thanks) or It's quite alright (for apology) might still be preferred by some.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Generally very well-understood due to its widespread use.
The main nuance is recognizing its broad range of functions (responding to thanks, apologies, problems, requests) compared to more specific phrases.

Examples

(In response to thanks): A: Thanks so much for lending me your notes! B: No worries.
(In response to an apology): A: Oops, sorry, I bumped into you. B: No worries, mate.
(In response to a minor problem): A: I might be five minutes late. B: No worries, see you then.
(As agreement/affirmation): A: Could you grab me a coffee too? B: No worries.

Dialogue

Customer: Excuse me, I accidentally ordered the wrong size.

Shop Assistant: No worries, we can exchange that for you. Do you have your receipt?

Customer: Yes, right here. Thanks!

Shop Assistant: No worries at all.

Response Patterns

Acceptance of the reassurance: Okay, thanks. / Phew, good.
Simple acknowledgment: A nod or smile.
The conversation usually moves on smoothly after no worries resolves the minor issue/thanks/apology.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

The interaction concludes on a positive, relaxed note.
If used for agreement (Can you do X? No worries.), the person typically performs the requested action.

Conversation Starter

No. It is always a response to something someone else has said or done (e.g., thanking, apologizing, stating a minor issue, making a request).

Intonation

Typically spoken in a relaxed, friendly, and reassuring manner.
Often has a falling intonation at the end.
NO WORRIES. or No worries, mate.

Generation Differences

Ubiquitous across all generations in Australia and New Zealand.
Widely used by most generations in the UK and US, perhaps slightly more prevalent or naturally used by younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) who grew up with it being more common.

Regional Variations

Originates from Australia/New Zealand, where it's a cornerstone of casual speech.
Now extremely common in UK and US English as well, though perhaps used with slightly less frequency or versatility than in Aus/NZ.

Crack the shits

🎲 Flat out like a lizard drinking

[0839] No worries