What is the difference caused by using “yep” instead of ”yeah”?
Is it used because “yep” sounds better and not straight like “yeah”? In some situations, it feels like "yes" is better to use than no even though it adds more formal. What is the reason why many use "yep" and "yeah"? When should one use over the other?
What is the difference in meaning among the common words yes, yeah, ya, yep, and yup?
Best Answer
"Yeah", "yeh", "yup", and "yep" are all informal variants of "yes".
In an informal setting (i.e., in casual conversations — talking to your friends, colleagues, and family members), you would be just fine using any of them. Only in a very formal setting, would the use of the informal variants be frowned upon. "Yes" works in any setting, but it may be a bit formal when you are hanging out with your friends. However, "yes" can also be used without sounding formal at all.
Don't do this (or anything of this sort):
Sometimes, both "yeah" and "yep" can be used when we are trying to be dismissive, or when we don't want to continue the conversation anymore. "Yep" can end a conversation abruptly. "Yeah right" can be downright dismissive.
In a way, "yep" might be preferred if that is all you want to say to someone (i.e., just "yes"); "yeah" allows you to continue your statement.
"Yeah" and "Yep/Yup" are not interchangeable in all cases.
"Yeah" is used before a negation sometimes ("yep/yup" is not commonly used for this case):
"Yeah" is also used as an exclamation (e.g., when your favorite team scores a goal, or when your crush sits beside you — in which case it is internal): Yeaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!! or Yeeaaassssssssssss!!!