Yes sir!

phrase

Used to show agreement or obedience to someone, usually a man, who is in a position of authority.

Captain: 'We need to sail due west.' Sailor: 'Yes sir!'

Often appears as...

'yes sir
understood'

phrase

Used in a sarcastic or annoyed manner to show one has heard, but not necessarily agrees with or intends to comply with a statement or order.

Mother: 'Get your homework done now.' Teenager: 'Yes sir!'

Visual representation of "yes sir!" - Used in a sarcastic or annoyed manner to show one has heard, but not necessarily agrees with or intends to comply with a statement or order.

Often appears as...

'whatever
yes sir'

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrase

Used to show agreement or obedience to someone, usually a man, who is in a position of authority.

Captain: 'We need to sail due west.' Sailor: 'Yes sir!'

Often appears as...

'yes sir
understood'

phrase

Used in a sarcastic or annoyed manner to show one has heard, but not necessarily agrees with or intends to comply with a statement or order.

Mother: 'Get your homework done now.' Teenager: 'Yes sir!'

Often appears as...

'whatever
yes sir'

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Respectful Response

Used in military or hierarchical environments to signal respect while following an order.

Officer: 'Report to your post.' Soldier: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 2/3

Power Dynamics

Indicates acceptance of authority, recognizing someone as higher in status.

Boss: 'This project is your top priority.' Employee: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Gender Neutral

Traditionally used for men, but consider gender-neutral alternatives in mixed settings.

Teacher: 'Turn in your essays.' Student: 'Yes sir!' (if the teacher is male)

Pro Tip 1/3

Respectful Response

Used in military or hierarchical environments to signal respect while following an order.

Officer: 'Report to your post.' Soldier: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 2/3

Power Dynamics

Indicates acceptance of authority, recognizing someone as higher in status.

Boss: 'This project is your top priority.' Employee: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Gender Neutral

Traditionally used for men, but consider gender-neutral alternatives in mixed settings.

Teacher: 'Turn in your essays.' Student: 'Yes sir!' (if the teacher is male)

Pro Tip 1/3

Respectful Response

Used in military or hierarchical environments to signal respect while following an order.

Officer: 'Report to your post.' Soldier: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 2/3

Power Dynamics

Indicates acceptance of authority, recognizing someone as higher in status.

Boss: 'This project is your top priority.' Employee: 'Yes sir!'

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Gender Neutral

Traditionally used for men, but consider gender-neutral alternatives in mixed settings.

Teacher: 'Turn in your essays.' Student: 'Yes sir!' (if the teacher is male)

Visual representation of the word "Yes sir!"

Never forget "Yes sir!"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension