What Does Yes Siree Bob Mean?

Yes Siree Bob Meaning

Definition: Yes, definitely.

Origin of Yes Siree Bob

This expression is similar to others such as you’d better believe it and oh my God, yes! The exact origin is unclear. However, some sources say it may have first appeared in the mid-1800s.

Siree seems to clearly be a lengthened form of sir. Yes, sir is a polite affirmative answer. Yes, siree is a more informal way to say the same thing. The Bob may be a minced oath in which Bob is a substitute for the word God. It may simply add the implication of added excitement to yes, siree.

This expression is casual, and more common in rural areas. Many people consider it to be old fashioned, as it was popular in the mid-1900s but is less so now.

The phrase is also spelled as yessiree Bob.

Examples of Yes Siree Bob

yes siree bob origin This example shows two women discussing their lunch plans.

Bella: We’ve been working on this project all morning. I’m starving. Are you hungry at all?

Hannah: Yes, I’m so glad you mentioned it. I know that we’re not supposed to leave until we’ve finished, but I’ll work better if I eat something. Do you want to sneak out of the office with me and grab some fast food?

Bella: Yes siree Bob! I’d love nothing more than to do just that. Let’s go now, before we lose our chance.

yes siree bobThe following example shows two college students discussing ideas for their class presentation.

Hanh: I hate giving presentations. They are always so boring.

Zhongyi: I have an idea to make ours more interesting. Let’s make it interactive. We can add in questions for the audience, and even a group activity in which they have to solve a problem. We can finish with a quiz about what they learned to make it a little competitive. I know it’s a little unconventional, but are you interested in trying it?

Hanh: Yes siree Bob! That sounds amazing!

More Examples

The excerpt shows a talk show host discussing which types of slang she likes to use for affirmations.

  • Coming out was one of the hardest things I ever did. I didn’t intend to be on the cover of Time magazine saying, ‘Yep, I’m gay.’ The truth is, I don’t even remember saying that. I mean, I definitely said the “I’m gay” part. It’s the “yep” I don’t remember. I’m not really a ‘yep’ person. ‘Yes siree Bob’ maybe. But not ‘yep.’ –E Online

The second example is from a cleaning advice column. The person writing in wanting advice wants to know how to keep shirt collars clean. The person giving advice uses the expression to emphasize that she has a lot to say on this topic.

Question: “We’re required to wear white shirts to work. Unfortunately, after a while they all end up with grey staining around the neck. I can’t afford to keep replacing them, and vinegar/oxiclean added to the wash don’t seem to help. Any thoughts?”

Answer: Oh I have thoughts. Yes siree, Bob, I have thoughts. –Deadspin

Summary

The phrase yes siree Bob is an affirmation which means yes, absolutely!

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