sharke
The usage of cheers probably breaks down to this:

60% - thank you
30% - thank you (sarcastic)
9% - please bang the edge of your glass against mine
1% - Americans using it inappropriately

Only 1%?  Bapu accounts for more than that by himself. 

webbs hill studio

sharke
The usage of cheers probably breaks down to this:

60% - thank you
30% -a letter signoff-much cheerier than "Regards"
9% - please bang the edge of your glass against mine
1% - Americans using it inappropriately

cheers(mate)

To be fair, I think cheers is a direct substitute for thanks in a letter sign off. I end most of my work related emails with thanks, even when it doesn't make sense. Like for instance if the email is just relating a piece of information, I'll end it "thanks," but what am I thanking them for? They should be thanking me. That's the remains of my Englishness coming through. Like apologizing to drivers who hit me in the crosswalk.

Old55

sharke
The usage of cheers probably breaks down to this:

60% - thank you
30% - thank you (sarcastic)
9% - please bang the edge of your glass against mine
1% - Americans using it inappropriately

Only 1%?  Bapu accounts for more than that by himself. 

As of yet his is the only data I have.

Does it ever mean pi$$ off?

Never.
 

another theory is "cheers" was invented when two warriors would bang their goblets together as a sign of good faith, ensuring any poison in either would be shared??
cheers,anyway,

Having played darts for over 34 years, I've heard my share of salutations.  "Cheers" is WAY better than some of the others ("Peace out" and "Peacers" come immediately to mind - I mean, WTF???  Really?  ).

Piece Out Peasers?

Where does "bollocks" fit in the grand scheme of things?  Wait, I think I should re-phrase that.