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Have a Good Day: A Phatic Mediaeval Farewell

What is it about?

This essay traces the expression "have a good day" (and its variant "have a nice day") from its earliest appearance in the Middle Ages to modern times. The essay shows that, although the term is sometimes thought of as phatic, it can also have nuanced meaning.

Why is it important?

Forms of expression that we often take for granted can have nuanced meaning. This essay demonstrates how the phrase "have a nice day" has been employed both sincerely and sarcastically since its first appearance in the Middle Ages.

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Carol Jamison
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