What do British say for yes?

British people use "yes" just like many other English speakers, but they also employ a rich variety of informal, regional, and emphatic alternatives.

Common British Expressions for "Yes"

Beyond the standard "yes," British English offers a diverse range of words and phrases to indicate affirmation, agreement, or simple acknowledgment. These expressions vary based on formality, region, and the speaker's emphasis.

Informal and Everyday Affirmations

In casual conversation, you'll frequently hear shortened or softened versions of "yes."

• Yep: A very common and informal way to say yes.
• Yeah: Widely used across all English-speaking countries, it's a relaxed alternative.
• Yup: Similar to "yep," offering a slightly different sound.
• Yea: An older, sometimes more formal or emphatic variant, also used in specific contexts like voting (e.g., "ayes and noes").
• Yas: A more recent, enthusiastic, and often playful affirmation, sometimes pronounced with an elongated 'a' sound.

Enthusiastic and Strong Agreement

When Brits want to express strong agreement, excitement, or certainty, they have a colorful array of options.

• You bet: Signifies strong agreement or certainty, often implying "absolutely, count on it."
• Totes: A very informal and trendy shortening of "totally," popular among younger generations.
• Yowsa: An exclamation of surprise or strong affirmation, often used humorously.
• Alrighty: A cheerful and informal way to agree or confirm something.
• For sure: Indicates definite agreement or certainty.
• Abso-bloody-lutly: A highly emphatic and informal way of saying "absolutely," with "bloody" serving as an intensifier.
• Big time: Means "definitely" or "very much so."
• Def/Deffo: Informal slang for "definitely," especially common among younger speakers.
• True dat: An informal, colloquial expression meaning "that is true," used to show agreement.
• Hell yeah / Hell yes: Strong, enthusiastic affirmations, often used to express excitement or defiance.
• You said it: Used to express strong agreement, implying the other person has articulated a shared truth.
• Damn right: A forceful expression of strong agreement, indicating something is undeniably true.

Acquiescence and Acknowledgment

These terms are often used to confirm understanding, agreement to a request, or simply to acknowledge what has been said.

• OK / K: Universally understood for agreement or acknowledgment. "K" is a text or very informal abbreviation.
• Aye: Predominantly used in Scotland and parts of Northern England, meaning "yes." It's also used in maritime contexts globally (e.g., "Aye-aye, captain!").
• Aye-aye: A naval term meaning "I understand and will obey," but also used informally to acknowledge something.
• Okie dokie / Okie doke: Playful and informal variations of "OK."
• Uh huh: A common vocalization used to confirm understanding or agreement without using a distinct word.
• Righty ho: An old-fashioned but still occasionally heard informal expression of agreement or readiness.
• Got it: Indicates understanding or acknowledgment of a instruction or piece of information.
• You got it: Similar to "got it," often used to confirm a request or promise.

Table of British Affirmations

These various expressions highlight the dynamic and creative nature of British English, offering speakers many ways to convey affirmation beyond the simple "yes."