Comments on: I don’t care and I don’t mind: An American and British difference

By: Vicki

Vicki — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 09:44:56 +0000

In reply to Ay.

So in this case, if the person says “Yes I would” it means they would prefer not to buy the ticket. If they buy it anyway that doesn’t conflict with the statement that they mind. It only indicates they are buying the ticket under protest so to speak. When an American asks a Brit, do you prefer red wine white wine, and the Brit answers “I don’t mind” meaning either is OK, the American is confused. I don’t mind is not answer to a question requiring a choice. The American would understand “either is OK for me” or simply “red” or “White.” But I don’t mind is the answer to a different question, not a question of choice. I hope that explains things. This is Jay writing back to you.

By: Ay

Ay — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:18:46 +0000

Hey, is there a culture difference when British ask if they mind to do something and then they answer they do mind, but they actually don’t mean they mind?

Ex: Would you mind buying your ticket
Yes, I would

but then they just go a head and pay for a ticket?

I’m confused over a meme because I could have sworn that phrasing in the UK was slightly different with that and I’m just in a disagreement with someone over it. Hope to get an answer soon!

By: Vicki

Vicki — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 16:22:39 +0000

In reply to jolisa. Thanks so much for chipping in, Jolisa. It's up to you is what Jay's trying to train me to say. :-)

By: jolisa

jolisa — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 18:10:35 +0000

As an American, I’ve never really thought of the phrase “I don’t mind” being confusing. Now that i read this, though, I see why it would be confusing. When it doesn’t matter to me which one when someone asks a question, I just say “It’s up to you.”

By: Vicki

Vicki — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 19:00:23 +0000

In reply to Shannon. Thanks for chipping in Shannon.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 09:16:25 +0000

As an American I would disagree with this understanding of
“I don’t care.”
When used on it’s own it can be very rude. It depends on the circumstances.
It should included a pre or post statement.
It’s fine, I don’t care which one.
Either is fine with me.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 09:48:42 +0000

In reply to Paul. Wow Paul! Thank you so much for writing. It's great to hear that this has been useful.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:57:00 +0000

I don’t mind

Without knowing why, this phrase has been a huge source of arguments and discontent over our four years together. We have joked about many other differences between our American and English but only today, with your explanation, have fully appreciated the differing perceptions of “I don’t mind” when offered a choice. Life will be easier.

Thank you
Paul