I sometimes get emails (e.g. from professional contacts or people I don't know well) which simply start with
FirstName,
[ … letter body … ]
They don't use "Dear FirstName," or "Hello FirstName," just "FirstName,".
This always feels quite harsh to me. (Omitting the opening completely in a quick email wouldn't feel that way, but using the name only does.)
Can this be considered impolite? Is it bad form? Is it usual? What should I read into this (about the attitude of the writer)?
I realize that these things can depend more on the culture than the language. I usually get these letters from Americans. Is it the most usual way of opening an informal email in the U.S.?
Best Answer
Szabolcs,
It is considered an acceptable way of opening an email. I found an online guideline that explained it like this:
So, some writers may think that the use of Dear sounds unnecessarily formal (or perhaps even affectionate). I'm rather sure that no rudeness is meant, nor should the construct be interpreted as subtle rudeness.
As for how I opened my answer to you: no hidden meaning there – I only used that as for illustrative purposes. I assure you, I meant it in the most polite sense, as I think you've asked a very fair and legitimate question.