Have you noticed how many people say "Yeah, yeah, yeah" instead of a plain and simple "yes"

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

I've only just noticed presenters saying this - Claudia Winkleman says it a lot when she presents "It Takes Two". My DH has started saying it and I'm starting to notice an increase of people saying it at work.

It doesn't sound nice. I think it sounds quite dismissive.

(I can't believe that I am actually starting a thread in Pedants Corner. I apologise pedants for any spelling mistakes or bad grammar, I have read through my post. )

yeah yeah yeah

No, I have noticed this. And worse, I started mimic(k)ing (god, how do you spell that?) it. Sounded like I was taking the piss. But, agree, sounds rude, very "get on with it"

Uh ha! Pedants' Corner. Note the apostrophe

I tend to agree, although I use 'Yeah' myself quite often. If I was on the telly, I would say yes, however.

'Yes' is more committed, more engaged, more polite, and these days, more unusual.

'Yeah' has its place, but it's a bit like swearing. You must know when to use it.

Isn't it "yeah, yeah, yeah" that Margo's complaining about rather than just "yeah"? It has to be said very rapidly as well.

You're right, Tinker. But MN crashed for half an hour, so I had to sit and wait.

Yes, I do understand. That's very irritating.

'Yeah, yeah, yeah' is the equivalent of saying, 'hurry up you boring bint. I'm more important.'

DD (18 months) does this and I realised the other day that she's learnt it from DH. Whereas he is plain annoying when he does it, DD is very cute as the amount of 'yeahs' in the answer indicate her desire. For example, "Would you like to eat some carrots?" may get a, "yeah", whereas, "Would you like to go and see Auntie C?" gets a resounding, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah".

Agree with Desiderata, it does sound as if they want you to get on with it.

This feels relevant to me because I've recently become friends with someone who says it all the time - and it's catching: not only have I found myself using it, but in the past few days have heard DH saying it He has definately caught this habit from me & is copying me!! (I suppose I should be flattered, but it sounds SO annoying.)

So, there's a cut-off age limit when it's OK to use it, say under-5? Anyone else should be slapped.

Didn't Muttley from Wacky Races say it? That was cute too.

I'm so glad I don't have to slap DD for using it!

When I came home, after living in the States for a while, I annoyed lots of people by answering questions with, "I guess" instead of just answering properly. Luckily I had it beaten out of me as was my strange accent.

That's really interesting, santa. Where did you grow up?

no, because they mostly say 'aye' around here.

It twigged a childhood memory. I'm from Preston, though haven't ever lived there but for 12 months between 7 and 8.

And have you noticed that people often say 'Yeah, no.'?

Desiderata - at misuse/lack of apostrophe!

I've started counting the amount of times I hear it at work. I'll do anything to get through the day!

It also reminds me of "The Vicar of Dibley"

I have noticed that I do something similar but possibly worse . I say 'Ok'. Why? Where did I pick up this unfortunate habit? Argh.