to think that although "No" is a complete sentence no-one really says just "No" to an unreasonable request?

[Vallhala]

A lighthearted AIBU but still one which intrigues me. I've noticed that when someone has said on here that they've been asked to do something they don't want to others have responded with the expression "No is a complete sentence". It's made me chuckle but how many people actually have the courage to merely say no and leave it at that?

Today I answered the door to DD2s friend and his step-father, the latter of whom I'd never met.

Apparently they were between activities/engagements and so the step-father wondered if we'd like the lad for a while, his intention being to walk off and leave his appallingly badly behaved step-son with me.

Surprised, tired and busy I made a polite excuse, but as I closed the door I remembered the term "No is a complete sentence", and wished I had just said no and left it at that but I can't bring myself to in these situations.

Surely no-one does in RL? Or do they?

No is not a complete sentence. A sentence needs a verb.

I've used it once in my recollection, and was very proud of myself .

I agree with CertainAge. "No." is not a complete sentence and would sound excessively rude.

However, "No I'm afraid I can't." is a complete sentence and I'm learning to use that more and more .

It sounds excessively rude to me too Smithagain, hence I can't bring myself to say it. Oh yes, and okay, I concede, it isn't a complete and grammatically correct sentence.

There are times though when I really want to yell say nothing else but "NO!". I admire those who have felt that the person asking the question was ruder still and who have had the courage to respond with that one word.

No.

A straight "No" is not something I would say - seems rather blunt.

With DD1 I have settled on "no no no no no No No No NO NO NOOOOOOOOOO" with rising inflection whenever I espy her doing something cute and charming like pouring milk down the back of the radiator.

tethersend, how rude of you!

I say no.