Yay, Yea, Yeah

---

In this world of social media and texting, these three words have started to meld into one. But though they all essentially mean yes, they’re each distinct words with distinct pronunciations and nuances of meaning.

​And while we can get away with carelessness in social media, which is essentially visible speech, in the moment and unedited, we need to be more intentional with our writing.

The goal is, after all, to communicate clearly with readers.
​

Yay

• ​(yā)
• Exclamation to express joy or excitement—​Yay! I got a new car for my birthday!
• To the amount indicated (usually accompanied by hand gestures)—​You should have seen that fish! It was at least yay long! ​​

Yea

• (yā)
• Somewhat archaic (But still fun to use!)
• Yes (used in affirmation or assent) – adv.
• Indeed--“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” Ps. 23:4 – adv.
• Not only this but even (emphasis) (“yet the impression, yea the evidence, is inescapable” J.G. Harrison) – adv.
• An affirmative reply or vote—​Yea or nay? – n.
• A person who votes in the affirmative – n.

Yeah

• (y󠄕eə, yaə)
• Informal/colloquial
• Yes – adv.
• Yeah, I could go for Chinese.

---

​Rebecca Miller is a professional copyeditor and general fan of all things having to do with the written word and the English language.
You can check out her website at Oakdale Editing or connect through Facebook, LinkedIn, or Email.