![]() Merry can be a euphemism for “drunk,” though this use was often considered vulgar in the 18th century. Making merry includes festive activities such as dancing, eating rich foods, and playing games with friends. Why is it overwhelmingly “Merry Christmas” in America, but “Happy Christmas” for many British people? The answer has to do with the connotations of these adjectives, which appear at first glance to be synonyms.īoth happy and merry can mean “characterized by pleasure, joyous.” But happy tends toward quiet contentment and merry toward revelry. I understand using “Happy holidays” and “Season’s greetings” if you want to wish people well but aren’t sure if they celebrate Christmas, but to me, if you’re sending an actual Christmas card, it must say “merry.” “Happy Christmas” just sounds. ’Tis the season for holiday cards, and every time I open one from my English relatives, I feel a little bit of a shock.
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