Passing the Time of Day

BigMonka

I've never heard the expression "passing the time of day", I'm getting the impression it means acknowledging someone whilst out n about?

Teetonetal

BigMonka said:

I've never heard the expression "passing the time of day", I'm getting the impression it means acknowledging someone whilst out n about?

its the sort of thing my grandparents would have said. Not heard it used for a long time.

Nitefly

It's also a very useful euphemism, a bit like " seeing a man about a dog".

Iamnobody

It's a northern thing!

fields5069

I generally say hello to people when I'm walking the dog, running or whatever. Not when I get into a lift though. They do that in Spain, say hello and goodbye in lifts.

roundthebend

I've recently started commuting by train and I very often exchange a few polite words with people as I get on the train and find a seat. On a few occasions I've ended up chatting for the whole journey with complete strangers.

Maybe we could start a movement whereby people wear a badge or something to indicate that they're happy to strike up a conversation with random people.

Travisthedog

My immediate next door neighbour and I can waste 45-60 mins if we meet, our wives try to avoid us meeting - but he's Irish and I'm genetically part Irish 

I always say hello to old folks as they like a chat and so do I - youngsters are all knobs these days (I'm 43).

My wife is different - she's born and bred in this town and knows absolutely everyone - she's made "passing the time of day" into an art form 

Travisthedog

That's said it's a generational thing.

im currently sat at the breakfast table in my favourite B&B in Knaresborough and all the oldies love a chat and all say hello when they come in - my generation say nothing 

chillidoggy

Your generation is obviously not talking about my generation.

mellowsun

I go through phases but generally I saw hello to or at least make eye contact and a nod/smile to people I pass in my local area when out walking.

When staying in B&Bs or hotels, coming down for breakfast, I like to say good morning but most people just keep their heads down these days and don't seem to want to acknowledge you.

WezV

Nitefly said:

It's also a very useful euphemism, a bit like " seeing a man about a dog".

Going for a pint?

ThePrettyDamned

Cambridge is extremely unfriendly, but I used to get strangers talking to me a lot in Norwich. 

The real shock was Bristol - lots of very friendly people there. I've heard Wales is very friendly too. 

I try to be friendly - I'm naturally shy, but when I'm walking my dog I say hello to anyone I see who looks friendly. Sometimes it's clear they're quite lonely and I'm the first person they've spoken to for days. 

CabbageCat

BigMonka said:

I've never heard the expression "passing the time of day", I'm getting the impression it means acknowledging someone whilst out n about?

I was about to post the same thing. Never heard it before.

If there's something notable to observe ("Good afternoon. Your hair is on fire.") I will interact with a stranger but I think demanding attention from someone you don't know for no obvious reason seems a bit of an imposition.

duotone

Dog owner here, "morning/afternoon/evening" to fellow dog walkers or people just walking.

Joggers/cyclists I usually don't bother with unless they speak first.