Yeah No
No
Example
Do you think I should run away from home and join a band?
Yeah no. I know you love music, but you should graduate high school first
The confusing "yeah no" response
Yeah No
Yeah no definition by Slang.net
This page explains what the slang term "Yeah no" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.
We are constantly updating our database with new slang terms, acronyms, and abbreviations. If you would like to suggest a term or an update to an existing one, please let us know!
Can you survive our Dungeons & Dragons slang quiz?
When someone replies, "yeah no," they are actually saying, "no." For example, if your friend asks you if you agree that she should get a nose job, you might reply with "yeah no" to confirm that you understand the insecurity she's feeling (the "yeah" part), but you reject her solution of getting it fixed (the "no" part).
The phrase is common in America, especially in areas that prioritize a friendly appearance. For example, many Minnesotans who subscribe to the Minnesota nice lifestyle often use "yeah no" to soften the blow of disagreeing with someone since they want to appear friendly and avoid confrontation.
Yeah, no has an equally-confusing counterpart in "no yeah." However, this saying holds the opposite meaning and is less common.
Nuanced use
While people may use it in messages or online, you will most likely hear people use it in real-life (IRL) conversations. In these cases, its meaning is more nuanced.
For example, if the person kindly says, "yeah no," they are attempting to communicate their "no" reassuringly. However, if they say it as a drawn-out "yeeeeaah no," they may intend it to be a condescending "no."