Yah

[David Bowie]

From:    David Barnhart <dbarnhart at HIGHLANDS.COM>

> I've noticed lately (within the last few months anyway) my older son (a
> college student) saying "yah" for "yes, you dummy" as if it were German with
> a certain emphasis.

> Any others noticed this yet?

Down here in Florida i've heard it (and picked it up in my own use, i
think) most frequently as containing a diphthong, as [jEa], often with
the glide drawn out a bit. I have, however, also heard [ja:].

It just sounds to me like some sort of extension of "yeah" with an
ironic "low and slow" pronunciation.

--
David Bowie                               University of Central Florida
     Jeanne's Two Laws of Chocolate: If there is no chocolate in the
     house, there is too little; some must be purchased. If there is
     chocolate in the house, there is too much; it must be consumed.

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