[Vocabulary] Thanks a lot, a bunch

[atabitaraf]

It is written in some dictionaries (Longman and Cambridge) that 'thanks a lot' and 'thanks a bunch' have negative potential and are used when you're annoyed. Just I wanted to be sure whether or not it is an old use or not.
Just I thought it could be used in a normal way too. (As I saw it in another dictionary - Babylon English-English)

 

[Tarheel]

It doesn't work in print, but "Thanks a lot" can be said sarcastically.

 

[GoesStation]

Thanks a lot can be used sarcastically in AmE to mean "that didn't help at all." The speaker adopts a certain tone of voice when using it that way, which makes it clear to listeners that it's not a positive statement.

The same thought is often expressed with Thanks for nothing.

I don't think thanks a bunch is used much in AmE. If it were, it would only sound positive to me.

 

[Tarheel]

Thanks a lot can be used sarcastically in AmE to mean "that didn't help at all." The speaker adopts a certain tone of voice when using it that way, which makes it clear to listeners that it's not a positive statement.

The same thought is often expressed with Thanks for nothing.

I don't think thanks a bunch is used much in AmE. If it were, it would only sound positive to me.

I have used "Thanks a bunch!" a few times. (Only positively.)

 

[Skrej]

Intonation will tell you whether it's meant sarcastically, negatively, or gratefully.

I use frequently use 'thanks a lot' both sarcastically and appreciatively. It just depends on my tone of voice which way I actually mean it.

I don't use 'thanks a bunch', but I would presume that the same applies for it.