to not like it when people say hiya

[User472262]

I just don’t get the purpose of it’s much more formal and polite to say hello or even hi.

I don't love Hiya but I also prefer it to the American 'Hey'. I wouldn't expect to hear it from a doctor, I don't think, or seeit on a school email. What's wring with hello?There are lots of other things that get to me more, such as when someone comes to serve you and they day 'Are you alright?' instead of Yes? Are you next? Hello? etc etc. Are you alright makes me want to say, well I've got a bit of a headache but..., or I'm fine thanks. How are you?

I don't love Hiya but I also prefer it to the American 'Hey'. I wouldn't expect to hear it from a doctor, I don't think, or seeit on a school email. What's wring with hello?
There are lots of other things that get to me more, such as when someone comes to serve you and they day 'Are you alright?' instead of Yes? Are you next? Hello? etc etc. Are you alright makes me want to say, well I've got a bit of a headache but..., or I'm fine thanks. How are you?

Shit. I have been saying it a lot over the years, in a professional environment as well. I knew it was informal but I didn't realise people would perceive me as an overly friendly simpleton because of it. I'll feel totally self conscious about it now!

Sorry for posting twice!

I say hiya a lot on the school run. Hi is slightly abrupt as a lone syllable greeting with no follow up.

Alright is used a lot which feels awkward like initiating conversation in a passing greeting. More like a greet and start a conversation than a lone comment.

I like a jaunty morning!

Last time I saw a GP, as I exited, I complimented her rainbow hair. She seemed thrilled

I would much prefer Hello or Good morning in a formal situation/email.

Definitely don’t go to Manchester then OP - we drop our ‘H’s here too so it’s more like ‘Aiya’ Even the doctors...

Hiya from Wales too usually followed by you alright?

I love the word hiya it sounds so friendly.

“how you diddlin’” is this regional? It’s hilarious!

I’m not from the UK. I love hiya! The informality of it made me feel accepted. I use it all the time.

A doctor using it though - shocking. He was probably drunk.

YABVVU and I wish you had enabled voting!

Hiya usually comes with a smile. What’s not to like?

I have an American friend who struggled to understand that ‘awright?’ isn’t a question he needs to actually answer 😂

I say hiya. I'm from the midlands. I think it's nice and friendly.

@amusedbush the answer is just ‘you alright?’ back

It's better than the bloody awful 'hey', which just sounds like you're shouting at someone. 😣

Bet you wouldn’t like Hiya hen! then. I never even gave Hiya a thought, I use it a lot, and also love the informal greetings like ducks, love, pet, etc. Obviously when formal greetings are required I can be as formal as necessary, but with family and friends I like a big hug! 🤗

I once went to the supermarket after training, wearing my gi (although with sweatshirt over the top), for some much-needed chocolate, and someone squawked "Hi-YA!" at me. He made what I can only assume he thought were 'karate chop hands' at me. I just stared at him until he shuffled off apologetically.

Other than that I really don't mind hiya as a greeting (although in my head I always hear a Sandra From Customer Services voice )

I have so much sympathy for your American friend. I feel compelled to answer a question with an answer, I'd be terrible under interrogation, but clearly 'alright?' in passing doesn't give room for a proper answer. The best compromise I can think of is to nod while saying 'you?' which doesn't give them time to answer, but that is then their problem (which, clearly is not a real problem but at least feel like I have filled my end of the conversational contract)

I feel the need to clarify that I never used hiya in person- only over text or whatsapp.

life is good OP when that is all you have to be concerned about today

YABVU

Why does it matter? You’re being greeted. Why care if it is not the type of hi you prefer? Perhaps, saying nothing to you and giving you a nod as a greeting would be much more sufficient as to not upset/offend your delicate feelings.

I don't love Hiya but I also prefer it to the American 'Hey'.

Had a colleague who said Hey to me as a joke (I’m American) assuming that just saying that made his British accent American and I just looked at him confused. Guy was a bit of a wanker anyway.

Totally agree with the “Are you all right?”. First time I met my in-laws (they’re Geordie), they kept saying this and I ended up checking the mirror when they weren’t looking and asking him if there was something on my face or if I looked sickly since everyone kept asking that and he hadn’t realised until later that it had a different meaning in the States and now it made sense why is American colleagues (we met in the States) always told him about their ailments or looked at him funny. 😂

OP, you asked why people say 'Hiya' when 'Hello' is more formal. There is your answer. Some situations are not formal

People in.Work say 'morning'. I say 'iya'; have done for over 30 years, but it still makes me feel.common. 'morning' just seems a bit posh to me. And I know; my issue😀

Oh no, I use Hiya. I probably won't any more. Didn't realise people don't like it ☹️