What does "Namaste" mean in Buddhism context and why is it even associated with Buddhism?

A commenter on the NewBuddhist blog claimed that one should not say Namaste in a Tibetan Buddhist event (in this context). > I remember one time saying "Namaste" while at a Tibetan Buddhist event, and someone quickly pulled me aside and said, "Oh, no-- do not say 'Namaste!' Say, 'Tashi Delek!'" > > I'm not entirely sure why I brought that up... perhaps because I'm still confused as to why it was wrong to say Namaste. > > -- SillyPutty I'd like to make a disclaimer that I am not from a Buddhist country so I'm confused. I never even read from anywhere that The Buddha even says this, or is the phrase really Buddhist -- you can imagine my confusion. Is this a modern phrase? What is its connection to Buddhism?