conversation - Does the phrase "fine with me" have a negative connotation?


I have always thought that you could answer "it's ok with me" or "it's fine with me" when you agree with something that somebody proposed, like a meeting time.


But apparently the phrase can have a negative connotation.


According to this Urban Dictionary it means:



I could care less. Usually used when someone is being overly dramatic and is explaining the extreme action they are planning to do in response to a situation that they think you should care a lot about, but still somehow you don't similar to "that's just fine with me"



Since I wasn't sure if this source was reliable, I googled it and apparently the definition is correct:


"We made our play, and I came out on top. Okay? Now, if you want to start the game up again, that's fine with me." The Italian Job (film)


"I'd never have a hookup but if that's what someone is into, fine with me." Comment on a blog post


Can I be misinterpreted when I say "it's fine with me" meaning that I agree with the proposal? My concern is that it can be understood as "ok, i don't really care."



Answer



It very much depends on the tone of voice with which this is said. It can simply represent a casual way of voicing agreement, but if you're not careful, quite easily apathy.


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