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

Saying 'salut' is just an informal way to say hello in French. Like saying 'hi'. For example, if you were talking to a teacher, you'd probably say 'bonjour'. However, if you were just talking to your friend, you'd say 'salut'. So in the Microsoft ad, they probably just wanted it to seem more casual and easy-going.

Answer 2

It's not "rude," just casual. It's like the difference between "hey" and "hello". You wouldn't say "hey" to the president or a formal boss, but you would use it if you were talking to someone informally or trying to make something casual. Saying "hey", like "salut" is the commercial, makes it seem like she is talking to a confidant and not a stranger. Microsoft wants to be cool and trendy, not cold and reserved.

Answer 3

It's not rude to say Salut in French.. at least not in Ontario or Quebec

Answer 4

In romanian "salut" mean hello. :]

and aout french, it's not offence., don't worry. :>