Happy Returns

[nq:1]I understand when people wishes friends happy birthday, they often add 'Many Happy Returns of the Day". What exactly does this word 'returns' mean in this context ? I tried to look up my dictionary but can't get what I want.[/nq]
I've always interpreted it as "May you have many more happy birthdays." As in, may your birthday return each year? A wish for long life as well as happiness.

[nq:1]I understand when people wishes friends happy birthday, they often add 'Many Happy Returns of the Day". What exactly does this word 'returns' mean in this context ? I tried to look up my dictionary but can't get what I want.[/nq]
They are wishing that you are happy on this day, and that the same happiness will return on all future birthdays.

[nq:1]I understand when people wishes friends happy birthday, they often add'Many Happy Returns of the Day". What exactly does this word 'returns' mean in this context ? I tried to look up my dictionary but can't get what Iwant. J Cheung[/nq]
It is a greeting used mostly by employees of H&R Block.

Fred :-)

[nq:2]I understand when people wishes friends happy birthday, they often ... up my dictionary but can't get what Iwant. J Cheung[/nq]
[nq:1]It is a greeting used mostly by employees of H&R Block. Fred :-)[/nq]
Thanks. But what do you mean by "employees of H&R Block" ?

[nq:1]'Many in want.[/nq]
[nq:2]It is a greeting used mostly by employees of H&R Block. Fred :-)[/nq]
[nq:1]Thanks. But what do you mean by "employees of H&R Block" ?[/nq]
Fred made a joke for the American audience. Income tax forms are called "tax returns." H&R Block is a company that prepares income tax returns for people. It doesn't really have any connection to the birthday greetin

[nq:1]Fred made a joke for the American audience. Income tax forms are called "tax returns." H&R Block is a company ... It doesn't really have any connection to the birthday greeting. Best Donna Richoux An American living in the Netherlands[/nq]
Many thanks Donna for the clarification. Perhaps in return I'll put in some Asian jokes.
J Cheung

[nq:2]I understand when people wishes friends happy birthday, they often ... look up my dictionary but can't get what I want.[/nq]
[nq:1]They are wishing that you are happy on this day, and that the same happiness will return on all future birthdays.[/nq]
Dead Wrong. They are hoping you receive some tangible awards: loot, for example. It is an *** expression I'd never use.
Charles Rig

[nq:1]add 'Many mean I[/nq]
[nq:2]Fred made a joke for the American audience. Income tax ... Best Donna Richoux An American living in the Netherlands[/nq]
[nq:1]Many thanks Donna for the clarification. Perhaps in return I'll put in some Asian jokes. J Cheung[/nq]
I can't wait.

Charles Riggs
They are no accented letters in my email address

[nq:2]They are wishing that you are happy on this day, and that the same happiness will return on all future birthdays.[/nq]
[nq:1]Dead Wrong. They are hoping you receive some tangible awards: loot, for example. It is an *** expression I'd never use.[/nq]
Which *** expression would you use?

[nq:2]Dead Wrong. They are hoping you receive some tangible awards: loot, for example. It is an *** expression I'd never use.[/nq]
[nq:1]Which *** expression would you use?[/nq]
I've probably used "Have a nice day!" once or twice.
Charles Riggs
They are no accented letters in my email address