Learn English – “Why yes, yes you can” vs. “Yes, you can”

phrase-usage

I came across this question today and the accepted answer starts with "Why yes, yes you can". Why didn't the person simply write 'yes, you can' instead of adding two extra words? Is this person trying to emphasize the obviousness of the usage of the word in the given question? What is the difference between them?

Best Answer

Why can serve as an interjection. From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Why -- used at the beginning of a statement, especially to express surprise
Why, here's what I was looking for!

So you guessed right:

Is this person trying to emphasize the obviousness of the usage of the word in the given question?

Why, yes, of course!


As Merriam-Webster notes, this usage of why is "somewhat old-fashioned".

An example of usage (The Beggar's Opera, 1728; audio record, another audio record):

LUCY.
Why how now, Madam Flirt?
If you thus must chatter;
And are for flinging Dirt,
Let’s try who best can spatter;
Madam Flirt!

POLLY.
Why how now, saucy Jade;
Sure the Wench is tipsy!
How can you see me made
The Scoff of such a Gipsy?
Saucy Jade!

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