I thought "salut" was rude? [FRENCH Q]?

Question

I thought unless you're talking to someone you know WELL or someone your age greeting with Salut was rude in French? Then why in Microsoft's new commercial she opens with salut? Microsoft is know for their "business" so surely they know the international markets well enough to know this right?

Commercial in question:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IEZ3jgudc

Also why is it "rude" exactly? Is it like walking up to an American stranger with "hey" or "yo" opposed to hello or excuse me?

Answer 1

"Salut " is not rude. It either very casual and used by young people, or by slightly vulgar people instead of "bonjour". It would absolutely not be used in any formal situation. Even a hotel receptionist would be stunned if a customer rolled up and said "Salut" for instance, and would think he is a yob, but a man entering a café where some people he knows are already seated would use it as a greeting and people would respond in kind. Likewise teenagers meeting others in the street would use it as a sign of comradeship.



I have watched the advert, and the terminology used by the actress is peppered with modern slang expressions and deliberately aimed at young people. It is designed to give an impression of dynamism and go-go-go. It also is in the familiar mode of address, very light hearted and tongue in cheek. More mature business people would not be particularly impressed by this advert, nor would official bodies. Microsoft is definitely aiming this advert to a young or not particularly sophisticated public.

Answer 2

I agree with Wise Owl, this is definitely targeted only at young people, starting with the 'salut' and going on with the informal 'tu'. My own instinctive reaction to that commercial was a total brain switch off from the moment I heard her greeting as I'm old enough not to feel included in that greeting.

Answer 3

It is not an immediately rude term in French, but it is informal and would be considered inappropriate in more formal situations. I would not walk into an interview and say "salut" unless I did not want the job. But I would be perfectly comfortable saying that to someone in a bar, as it is a very informal occasion.

Answer 4

Maybe microsoft thought it would be clever to have the actress seem like she knows you.

Answer 5

it is alright when you are greeting to young children, but not to men and women. Just like using of this word "Tu" = you.