to think that in English "no" is an answer not a question?

[ArgyMargy]

Has anyone else noticed people using "no?" as a posher version of "innit?". As in "I thought that was a fabulous Wimbledon Final, no?" Is it the ultimate in lazy speech or a pretension to a Continental way of speaking? I'm looking firmly at London people here. Mainly people who start every sentence with "So, ... ".

Yes?

And?

Scottish.

I think it is very much a Continentalism. But I don't think it gets used quite the way you described. You're right that it is an 'innit'.

I use it in my mother tongue, and it occasionally comes out in English, too. If I'm talking to my parents then it slips by, but if I'm talking to an English person then I get a little mental jolt because it doesn't fit.

My mixed-race rellies from the Far East do this, and have done for generations. When I hear myself do it, I pin it on them

It's a translation from other languages, isn't it? DH does it when he gets back from work in Europe, and I assumed that he's mentally translating from French or German.

I think the English language has to move with the times.

I'm with Bowlersarm on this one, language evolves.

I speak Spanish & speak a lot with non-native English speakers using English, so it is something I've picked up for speaking with them, they understand a bit better if I pigeonise my language down, sometimes. It's a linguistic habit & not hard to understand.

Yes, completely acceptable for those translating from a foreign language. And quite endearing. But just because you can't be bothered? Sorry, Fatal, Scottish is a whole other language...

It always sounds a bit pompous to me

It always sounds slightly aggressive to me, as though you're daring someone to contradict you.