british english - What do Americans think of using 'cheers' to sign off an email?


I've suspected before that "Cheers" as an email sign-off is a bit of an English (or possibly Commonwealth) thing, but being English it's natural to me and I use it as the mood takes me to end an email.


When I email an American, what sort of impression does it give? Are there any other English speaking cultures out there where it's a bit unfamiliar?



Answer



To me, as an American, it doesn't really get interpreted other than to flag to me that the writer is speaking British English. I have no idea when it is or is not proper to use "cheers" in British English, so it sort of gets ignored as to whether this is a formal or informal way of signing off.


Internationally, it's probably best to stick to a more formal "Thank you" or "I look forward to your reply" if the communication is with someone with whom you do not have a pre-established relationship. This is more important when the recipient is not a native speaker of English and may be confused.


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