19 Polite Expressions North Carolinians Rarely Use Today

Many North Carolinians and Americans across the country once spoke with a softer touch. Phrases like “Pardon me” and “Would you be so kind?” were part of everyday talk.

These days, you don’t hear those expressions much. But we’d love to see them make a comeback.

Do you agree?

“Much Obliged”

This was a common way to say thank you, especially in the South. It meant you truly appreciated the favor or kindness someone had shown.

“Much obliged” sounded sincere without being overly formal. It could be used with neighbors, clerks, or even strangers.

In small towns, you’d hear it all the time, from folks holding doors to people handing over change at the register.

Today, it’s mostly faded from everyday talk. You might still hear it in old movies or from older generations.

“Beg Your Pardon”

This was once a graceful way to ask someone to repeat what they said or to gently challenge a comment. It came across as polite and calm.

If someone said something you didn’t catch—or didn’t quite believe—you might respond with, “Beg your pardon?” instead of “What?”

It gave the other person a chance to rephrase without embarrassment. It also avoided sounding confrontational.

Today, it’s almost never heard in casual conversation. Most people jump straight to, “Huh?” or “What’d you say?”

“Pardon Me”

Once a go-to phrase for interrupting or brushing past someone, “Pardon me” was used instead of a blunt “Excuse me” or a rushed apology. It had a gentler feel to it.

People used it in crowded grocery stores, on sidewalks, and during conversations when they needed to cut in politely. It showed you respected the other person’s space or time.

Kids were especially taught to say it instead of just blurting things out. It wasn’t about sounding fancy. It was about being considerate.

These days, you’re more likely to hear “Sorry” or nothing at all.

“You’re Most Welcome”

Instead of just saying “You’re welcome,” people sometimes added a little extra. “You’re most welcome” felt warmer and more personal.

It wasn’t said to be fancy. It was a way to show you really meant it. You were happy to help, and you wanted the other person to know that.

This phrase made small moments feel a little more thoughtful. It wasn’t rushed or automatic.

Now, most people just say “No problem,” and move on.

“Would You Be So Kind”

This phrase was used when asking for help or making a request. It was softer than “Can you” or “Would you mind.”

It wasn’t just about the words. It was about showing humility and respect, even for small favors.

“Would you be so kind as to pass the salt?” might sound overly formal today, but it once made even simple moments feel gentle.

Now, many requests are shorter and more casual, which sometimes comes off as abrupt.

“May I” Instead of “Can I”

There used to be a clear difference between “May I” and “Can I.” One asked for permission. The other asked about ability.

Teachers, parents, and even librarians corrected kids on this one. Saying “May I go to the bathroom?” was just part of being polite.

It wasn’t about being strict—it was about learning how to show respect in small ways.

Today, the distinction has mostly faded. “Can I” is more common, even in formal settings.

“It Was My Pleasure”

Instead of a simple “You’re welcome,” many people used to say, “It was my pleasure.” It wasn’t just about being polite—it made the other person feel valued.

This phrase showed that the help was freely given, not a burden. It added warmth to the exchange, especially in customer service or hospitality.

You’d hear it in diners, department stores, and even at the neighbor’s house after a favor.

Now, it’s mostly used in professional scripts or fancy events, not so much in everyday life.

“After You”

Holding a door open and saying, “After you,” was a simple way to show courtesy. It let the other person go first with dignity.

Kids were taught to say it to elders, and men were often told to say it to women in social settings. It was about patience and respect.

It wasn’t meant to show weakness. It was about being thoughtful, even in small moments.

Now, this phrase has mostly been replaced with silence or a quick gesture, if it happens at all.

“Don’t Mention It”

When someone said thank you, this was a polite way to brush it off. “Don’t mention it” let them know it was no trouble at all.

It wasn’t dismissive. It was gracious. It told the other person their comfort mattered more than the effort it took to help.

You’d hear it after someone helped carry groceries, gave a ride, or lent a hand with yard work.

Today, it’s rarely used outside of scripted customer service responses or old TV reruns.

“Please and Thank You” Every Single Time

It used to be automatic. Every request started with “please,” and every kindness ended with “thank you.” No reminders needed.

Kids learned it early, and adults modeled it constantly. These weren’t optional words—they were part of how people talked.

Even quick exchanges, like buying gum or borrowing a pencil, included them. They were small words with a big impact.

Today, people still say them, but not as consistently. In fast-paced settings, they’re often skipped entirely.

“Excuse Me, Sir” or “Ma’am”

Respectful titles were once a big part of polite speech. Saying “Excuse me, sir” or “ma’am” was expected, especially when speaking to adults or strangers.

Kids learned these phrases early. Using them wasn’t about being overly formal—it was about showing good manners.

You might use them when asking for help in a store, when addressing a teacher, or even when bumping into someone on the street.

These days, many people skip the titles completely, especially with younger generations opting for first names or no greeting at all.

“Please Forgive Me”

When someone made a mistake, they didn’t just say “Sorry.” They said “Please forgive me.” It took more effort and showed more sincerity.

It acknowledged the hurt or inconvenience more clearly. It wasn’t just about fixing the problem. It was about making it right.

This phrase carried weight. It showed the person cared enough to ask for true forgiveness, not just offer a quick apology.

Now, it’s rare to hear it outside of serious conversations or formal letters.

“Would You Mind If I…”

Instead of jumping into a request, people used to say, “Would you mind if I…” It softened the ask and gave the other person room to say no.

This phrase showed awareness. It made it clear that you didn’t want to inconvenience anyone.

You might use it when borrowing something, changing plans, or joining someone for lunch. It was a thoughtful way to start a conversation.

Today, most people skip straight to the question, often sounding more direct without meaning to.

“It’s Been a Pleasure Talking With You”

At the end of a visit or phone call, this phrase helped close the conversation with grace. It left people feeling appreciated and respected.

It was used with friends, neighbors, and even total strangers. It turned a simple chat into something memorable.

Older generations used it often, especially when meeting someone new. It wasn’t forced. It came naturally.

Now, people are more likely to end with “Talk soon” or “Take care,” leaving this phrase behind.

“You’re Too Kind”

This was a gentle way to respond to a compliment or kind gesture. It showed humility without brushing off the kindness completely.

It let the other person know their words were appreciated. At the same time, it kept the tone modest and warm.

You might hear it after someone praised your cooking or gave you a gift. It was a thoughtful, well-balanced response.

These days, many people just say “Thanks” and move on.

“Do You Mind If I Join You?”

Before pulling up a chair or jumping into a conversation, people used to ask, “Do you mind if I join you?” It was a polite way to show respect for personal space.

This phrase acknowledged that someone else might not be in the mood for company. It gave them the chance to welcome you in, or not.

Even among friends, this question showed thoughtfulness. You weren’t assuming anything. You were asking first.

Today, people often jump in without asking. The courtesy has quietly faded.

“Allow Me”

Whether it was opening a door or carrying something heavy, people once said “Allow me” as a gentle offer to help.

It was confident but polite. You weren’t forcing assistance; you were offering it with respect.

You might hear it in an old movie or from an older relative, but it was once part of everyday life, especially in public settings.

Now, most offers come without words, or not at all.

“It’s No Trouble at All”

When someone offered help, they often followed it with, “It’s no trouble at all.” It reassured the other person that they weren’t being a burden.

It was a way to make others feel more comfortable accepting kindness. Even if it was a little inconvenient, you didn’t let it show.

This phrase made small favors feel even more generous. It kept the mood light and positive.

Today, people may still mean the same thing, but the actual words are rarely used.

“You Go Ahead, I’ve Got Time”

Whether in line at the store or walking into a room, this phrase was a thoughtful gesture. It showed patience and generosity.

Letting someone go first, especially someone with fewer items or a small child, was a quiet way to show good manners.