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I have a friend who always says "Thank" instead of "Thanks" or "Thank you". For example, when I ask: " Do you like to come?", his answer is: "Thank. I am busy".

Can you explain why "Thank" cannot be alone? Surely it must be “Thanks”, or “Thanks to you” or “Thank you”.

Tuffy
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Derek Chua
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  • Because to Thank is the verb and "Thank you" and "Thanks" are the idiomatic expressions that uses that verb. – mplungjan Jan 03 '18 at 09:15

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This use of the word is a kind of solecism. Yes, it is not standard English. You could go on criticising your friend’s personal habit. It is a kind of social mannerism, with which all her/his acquaintances are familiar. But the more you correct her/him, the more s/he will persist. “S/he only does it to annoy, because s/he knows it teases.”

Tuffy
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  • This addresses the non-standard usage of OP's 'friend', not how the use of 'Thanks' (almost certainly in line with 'Congratulations' and 'Best Wishes' etc) rather than 'Thank.' etc developed. – Edwin Ashworth Jan 03 '18 at 10:25
  • @EdwinAshworth At least this one cannot be traced to Latin ‘gratiam ago’, as far as I know. The connection with ‘congratulations’ is tempting, except that (a) the nouns cites all have a recognised singular, unlike ‘thanks’. I need further research, but I wonder if it goes back to Christian ceremony in which whole congregations gave ‘thanks unto the Lord’ once a week. – Tuffy Jan 03 '18 at 16:41