Yeah nah, nah yeah?

The age-old questions leaving many visitors confused: are they being yelled at, questioned, or simply missing a part of a joke that wasn’t funny? Yeah nah, nah yeah? What does that even mean?

Welcome to one of Australia’s greatest linguistic mysteries. If you have ever found yourself nodding along to a conversation only to realise you have no idea whether they just agreed, disagreed, or politely ignored you, you have encountered the infamous “yeah nah” and “nah yeah”.

The simple answer? The last word.

Yeah nah

Usually translates to “I hear you, but no”. It is the polite, laid-back Aussie way to disagree without actually saying “no” directly.

Example:

“Do you want to go for a swim? It’s freezing.”

“Yeah nah, probably not.”

Nah yeah

Usually means “I hear you, and yes”. It is often used to reassure someone or change the mood.

Example:

“That place looks a bit dodgy.”

“Nah yeah, it’s good. Trust me.”

How to survive it

1. Listen for tone. The first word is rarely the important one.

2. Watch body language.

3. Don't overthink it.