Yeah nah is a commonly used Australian phrase and colloquialism. The phrase yeah nah means 'no', but it allows the speaker or writer to ease into their response so as to not come across as too outspoken, or brash.
Yeah nah = no. Yeah nah yeah = yes. No wonder you're confused!
Yeah, nah – 'yes, no' - became popular in Australia in the 90s and has continued to grow in use, both in Australia and overseas. Like all good things, the Kiwis claim it as theirs too, even using it for a major drink driving campaign.
Most often the prior 'Yeah' indicates we're on the same page, and nothing's gone over our heads, while the 'Nah' confirms that despite our understanding, we still think it's bollocks. Like when someone tells a bad joke, and repeats the punchline. Yeah, dude we get it, but Nah, it's still not funny.
Australian slang is not dying, it's making its way up in the world.
“My research shows the British and Irish working-class introduced most of the swearing we have in Australia,” Krafzik says. “It was cemented in those early colonial days.” The British officer class tended to rotate in and out of the colonies. The working-class settlers – and convicts – stayed.
Yeah nah is a commonly used Australian phrase and colloquialism. The phrase yeah nah means 'no', but it allows the speaker or writer to ease into their response so as to not come across as too outspoken, or brash.
While some Australian speakers would pronounce “no” as a diphthong, starting on “oh” as in dog and ending on “oo” as in put, others begin with an unstressed “a” (the sound at the end of the word “sofa”), then move to the “oh” and then “oo”.
Nah means no. You can use it the same way you use no to respond to questions, but remember that it's very casual. Using nah in formal situations may seem disrespectful.
Yeah, nah. Kiwis are exceptionally agreeable, so even when they want to disagree with you, they'll throw in a "yeah" as well. Basically, "yeah, nah" is a non-committal way of saying no. As in: "Do you want to go for a hike this weekend?" "Yeah, nah, I'll think about it ay."
If you say “no” with an extra syllable or two, chances are you are actually saying naur, an Australian-ism defined by its listeners, not its speakers, which continues to be one of the internet's favourite jokes.
Morn – Morning
Morn is an Australian slang word for 'morning', and is used as a friendly greeting. It can be used as a simple way of saying hello when you meet someone in the morning. For example, if you are running late to work and you see someone on the street, you could say “Morn!”.
The answer Yeah No (or Nah, in Australian/NZ English) is acknowledging that question and disagreeing.
Nay, this is in reference to a cigarette. Often heard sung around Australian nightlife as background music.
Yes is more formal & polite; yeah is very casual & can be rude in a situation where “yes” should be used.
It's really simple. By not saying hello to people, you come off as rude, cold, and people are unlikely to want to speak to you in the future. You could be the nicest person in the world, but turning away from someone passing you is considered rude in our Western culture.
Take a deep breath and be calm instead of snapping back. Later on, try responding with an act of kindness. Doing so could break the cycle of rudeness by allowing the other person to match your behavior. If this tactic doesn't work, you can still be proud you didn't succumb to negativity.
The most common verbal greeting is a simple “Hey”, “Hello”, or “Hi”. Some people may use Australian slang and say “G'day” or “G'day mate”. However, this is less common in cities. Many Australians greet by saying “Hey, how are you?”.
Aussie Word of the Week
No worries, perhaps the most easygoing piece of Aussie Slang, has been part of our lexicon since the 1960s. Initially a way of saying, 'I'm good,' no worries has evolved into an expression of thanks, as in 'Don't mention it!'
6. Strewth! A common word that Aussies use to express surprise, exclamation or disappointment. Similar to saying, “oh my god!”, for example.
I've noticed a recent trend for Australian social media users to adopt the American informal second-person plural pronoun "y'all". Come on, Australia, we can do better. The correct term is "youse".