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"Yeah" vs "Yes"

Started by SticksandStones Apr 27, 2006 at 6:42 PM 33 replies 5.9k views

Original Post

Apr 27, 2006 at 6:42 PM

Out of curiosity, how "bad" is the use "yeah" vs "yes"? I just got out of an argument over whether or not "yea" had any negative impact on a person when in college and/or at a job. I just can't picture a conversation like this happening: Employer: Sorry, while you have ten years of experience, a PhD, and have had every company you have ever worked for report record growth during the duration of your employment, you did use "yeah" instead of "yes" and for that, we can't hire you. Employee: WTF? It just doesn't make sense. Every person I know, regardless of age and background, tends to use "yeah" instead of "yes" unless the person wishes to make a strong point (ie, "Yes, I'm an idiot" vs "Yeah, I'm an idiot"). So, in your experience, has the use of such wording ever prevented you from getting a job/doing well in college?

superpig

Apr 27, 2006 at 6:43 PM

Not me, but then, I'm the guy who turned up to his interview at Imperial in a hawaiian shirt, and walked away with an unconditional offer.

anthemaudio

Apr 27, 2006 at 6:57 PM

Is Imperial a cruise line?

If the difference between "yeah" and "yes" is going to be stressed while on the job...I'd find a different job. I'm sure it wouldn't stop there.

Did you just end that sentence with a preposition?

Which reminds me:

Grammar Wizard from PBF

Must have been a GREAT argument though.

Programmer One

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:03 PM

If thay won't hire you for using 'yeah' insteas of 'yes' then that isn't a place where you'd want to work.

...that is retarded.

superpig

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:07 PM

Quote:
Original post by anthemaudio
Is Imperial a cruise line?

Imperial

SticksandStones

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:11 PM

Quote:
Original post by Programmer One
If thay won't hire you for using 'yeah' insteas of 'yes' then that isn't a place where you'd want to work.

...that is retarded.

That was my line of thinking.
I can't honestly think how the use of "yeah" could have any negative affect on one's life.

Servant of the Lord

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:13 PM

I don't believe using either one matters, but if it did, it is probably a more subconcious thing. 'Yea/yeah' might give the impression of lazyness or something. Whilst 'yes' is more direct and attentive. I don't know though, just rambling I guess. I am also still in school, so can't give my impression on grammer during interviews.

caffeineaddict

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:30 PM

If i'm in a more formal setting, i.e. talking with someone in a position of authority perhaps, I tend to use yes, as it sounds more professional. I suppose there's nothing really wrong with 'yeah' outside of appropriateness of setting IMO.

JohnBolton

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:41 PM

Before you say "it doesn't matter", consider how you feel about posters that can't spell, can't punctuate, can't form sentences, or who write in l33t5p3ax.

People are judged to a great extent on their ability to communicate, and I think it's reasonable. The smartest person in the world pretty useless if he can't communicate. Granted, we're discussing "yeah" vs. "yes", but it's the same story.

Way Walker

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:48 PM

It's probably not so much "Yeah vs. Yes" specifically, but it'll be part of their overall first impression of you. I'm guessing there's a correlation between saying "yeah" instead of "yes" and other indicators of being lazy or unprofessional. Also, "Yeah" is what you say when you're a little hesitant about an answer.

Of course, a lot depends on your job, too. Imperial looks like a college, which are typically (in my experience at least) more laid pack. The only place I see nice suits on campus is around the business college and sometimes the college of law. I've had professors who taught in jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. I had one professor with purple hair.

Don Quioxte

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:56 PM

Quote:
Original post by SticksandStones
Quote:
Original post by Programmer One
If thay won't hire you for using 'yeah' insteas of 'yes' then that isn't a place where you'd want to work.

...that is retarded.

That was my line of thinking.
I can't honestly think how the use of "yeah" could have any negative affect on one's life.

But... but... it's not The Queen's English! How could something like that not turn you into a slothful, evil person!

I agree. If it's that big of an issue, you probably don't want to work there.

But using proper grammar usually makes a good first impression.

SticksandStones

Apr 27, 2006 at 7:58 PM

Quote:
Original post by JohnBolton
Before you say "it doesn't matter", consider how you feel about posters that can't spell, can't punctuate, can't form sentences, or who write in l33t5p3ax.

People are judged to a great extent on their ability to communicate, and I think it's reasonable. The smartest person in the world pretty useless if he can't communicate. Granted, we're discussing "yeah" vs. "yes", but it's the same story.

I see your point, if a person walked into an interview and was incoherent the entire time, I wouldn't expect that person to be hired. On the other hand, if a person talked casually instead of watching every word I would expect that to not be factored in.

Also, people have an easier time understanding what they are used to hearing. If I attempt to explain something using nice, big, formal words few people are going to understand when compared to if I use small, easy, common words.

Bleh, now I'm babelling.

Quote:

But using proper grammar usually makes a good first impression.

Is "yeah" improper grammar?

shmoove

Apr 27, 2006 at 8:04 PM

Quote:
Original post by SticksandStones
So, in your experience, has the use of such wording ever prevented you from getting a job/doing well in college?

Nah.

shmoove

Way Walker

Apr 27, 2006 at 8:37 PM

Quote:
Original post by SticksandStones
Quote:

But using proper grammar usually makes a good first impression.

Is "yeah" improper grammar?

I would say "yeah" is improper grammar, but "yes" is certainly more proper.

(heheh... note subtle change in definition of "proper")

Jemburula

Apr 27, 2006 at 9:54 PM

It's all about connotations and overall appearance... subliminal messaging, frankly most people won't care if you say Yeah or Yes, more than likely subconciously they will relax more with you too if they get the 'feeling' your more relaxed.

Daerax

Apr 27, 2006 at 10:07 PM

I growl my YARRS while with an indecipherable glint in my eyes. No effect.

Kevinator

Apr 27, 2006 at 10:34 PM

Yeah is less formal and considered rude by some, especially when spoken to an elder or superior.

Oberon_Command

Apr 27, 2006 at 10:39 PM

I use "yes" when in an extremely formal situation, or when making a speech.

I use "yeah" when I'm in an informal situation, and I kind of want the word to drag off (to show reluctance, or whatever else is on my mind), kind of like "yeaaah....". I also use it occasionally when I'm cheering.

Usually, I just use a quick, simple "ya" for saying "yes". It's quicker than "yeah", and it's still quite informal, so I use it a lot since I am obsessed with speed and antiverbosity (probably useful, since I'm a programmer and a sailor).

I use "aye" when I'm either a) Joking or b) sailing.

I use "yarr" when I'm being a pirate.

IAmNewbie

Apr 28, 2006 at 4:35 AM

i always get into heated debates about the use of "slang". how you communicate is how you communicate. language cant necessarily be inferior. i dont believe there is a such thing as "improper grammar"... especially in spoken language. grammar is used to describe language... language is NOT a function of grammar.

if you dont feel right saying "yes" then chances are you dont sound right saying it. its like that age old "dont use contractions in essays" thing. thats for old people who talk funny.

Bringer

Apr 28, 2006 at 8:02 AM

I tend to use "yup" more than anything else [wink]
It's never really caused a problem.

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