The use of the word "revert" to mean "reply" is a fascinating linguistic phenomenon that has its roots in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan. Over time, this usage has spread to other regions, including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and even parts of the United Kingdom. While many English speakers outside of these regions find this usage perplexing, it has become widely accepted in business and formal communication within South Asia. ≠

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Origins in India and Pakistan

The unconventional use of "revert" as a synonym for "reply" appears to have originated in Indian English, a distinct variety of English influenced by local languages and colonial history. English has been spoken in India since the British colonial era, and over time, certain words and phrases took on meanings that differed from their original usage in British English.

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In standard English, "revert" traditionally means "to return to a previous state or condition." However, in South Asian business communication, particularly in emails, "revert" came to mean "respond" or "reply." For example, a common phrase in Indian corporate emails might be: "Please revert with the necessary details."
This phrase is understood to mean "Please reply with the necessary details." ≠

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The exact reason for this shift is unclear, but it may be due to the influence of legal and bureaucratic language, where "revert" was used in contexts implying a return to a previous discussion or inquiry. Over time, this meaning evolved into a shorthand for "reply." ≠

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Spread to Other Regions

The use of "revert" in this sense did not remain confined to India and Pakistan. As South Asian professionals migrated to other countries and engaged in international business, the term began appearing in corporate communication in places like Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These regions, which also have strong historical ties to British colonial rule, adopted the term in their business English. ≠

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Sadly, the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary eventually acknowledged this usage, listing "revert" as meaning "to reply" in its eighth edition (2013). This recognition suggests that the term has gained enough traction to be considered a legitimate variation in certain forms of English. ≠

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Reception in the United Kingdom and Beyond. 

 

In the United Kingdom, the use of "revert" to mean "reply" is still considered incorrect or unusual by most native English speakers. British English speakers typically associate "revert" with its original meaning—returning to a previous state—and may find the South Asian usage confusing. ≠

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However, as global business communication becomes more interconnected, British professionals working with South Asian colleagues may encounter this usage more frequently. Some may adopt it in their own emails, while others may resist it as an example of corporate jargon. ≠

 

The evolution of "revert" from its traditional meaning to a synonym for "reply" is a testament to the dynamic nature of language. While it remains a regional variation, its increasing presence in international business communication suggests that it may continue to spread. Whether it will gain full acceptance in global English remains to be seen, but for now, it thankfully remains a distinctive feature of South Asian English. ≠