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Anna Sophia Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary
Many happy returns
Hi,
Could anyone please help me to explain "many happy returns"
As far as I know, besides "happy birthday", we can use "many happy returns" to wish for birthday
But what is the relevance of "returns" and actual meaning of this phrase.
Is this kind of wish is common among the streetspeakers?
TQ
Could anyone please help me to explain "many happy returns"
As far as I know, besides "happy birthday", we can use "many happy returns" to wish for birthday
But what is the relevance of "returns" and actual meaning of this phrase.
Is this kind of wish is common among the streetspeakers?
TQ
Top answer
I have never heard anyone say many happy returns, and I have never said it either. In English you just say happy birthday to wish a happy birthday.
- I have never heard anyone say many happy returns, and I have never said it either.
- In English you just say happy birthday to wish a happy birthday.
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2 Answers
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I have never heard anyone say many happy returns, and I have never said it either. In English you just say happy birthday to wish a happy birthday.
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It's a shortened version of "Many happy returns of the day."
"Of the day" is the important part of this phrase. The meaning is, basically, "I wish you many more happy birthdays in the coming years." In other words, "I hope happy birthdays RETURN to you again and again."
"Of the day" is the important part of this phrase. The meaning is, basically, "I wish you many more happy birthdays in the coming years." In other words, "I hope happy birthdays RETURN to you again and again."
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