And here I was under the false impressions that the cashiers are being genuine...

it's obvious that OP meant no harm, but I still don't see how this is not a YDI...

I don't think OP deserves an "YDI." OP didn't mean any harm. As soon as OP realized his words, he knew he made an inappropriate comment. I'm sorry for your loss, OP.

23 - If a cashier is being genuine, it'll be pretty obvious. If they're having a really good day, they'll be pretty bubbly. If they're having a shitty day, either you'll hear generic responses or they won't talk at all. If they're having a REALLY shitty day, they might start being honest!

Apologize and explain why you accidentally said that. I'm sure they'll understand.

Really? You don't say

@36 Or they work at Walmart.

or if they work at a pet store, like me, and I'm two minutes from clocking out a cat lady comes up with 550 cans of assorted cans of cat food, you may see a very fake smile on your face, but with eyes saying "f--- you"'

76, I work at a convienent store on a college campus and something like that happens to me EVERY SINGLE DAY. I hate it.

Sometimes things slip, you know? We can't all be perfect every single second of every single unfortunate situation we find ourselves in. Hence FML :P

Your standard reply is the same as mine, I use OP's when I'm feeling a bit crabby while around my regulars, sometimes I'll actually be honest if it's really good or horrible and I know they can handle it (otherwise response #1 or #2 apply). It's hard to come up with a different response to repeat questions like that... easier to just turn it around. We retail people feel for you OP!

my usual reply on good days is "Im okay. you?" on crappy days I say "Could be better but could be worse. you?" on hell days I just smile and dont reply.