I've read that this is used as a weak form of 'yes' (like 'yeah' in North America) in Northern England and Scotland. Is this correct? Any peculiarities of usage? Also, why is it used in the military?
Aye
<<I've read that this is used as a weak form of 'yes' (like 'yeah' in North America) in Northern England and Scotland. Is this correct?>>
I wouldn´t say it´s a weak form, but yes. It means "yes" in Scotland and Northern England. Nothing peculiar...probably that´s colloquial usage, by no means formal. However, it used to formally denote the vote "yes" (aye = yes, nay = no...the nay-sayers, I know you know). I don´t know anything about how it is used in the military.
I wouldn´t say it´s a weak form, but yes. It means "yes" in Scotland and Northern England. Nothing peculiar...probably that´s colloquial usage, by no means formal. However, it used to formally denote the vote "yes" (aye = yes, nay = no...the nay-sayers, I know you know). I don´t know anything about how it is used in the military.
So do Northerners use 'yes'? And if so, how is it different from 'aye'?
Is "aye, aye, sir" still used in the navy?.
We don't use "aye" in the southeast of England but my great aunt in Clitheroe does. She uses both "aye" and "yes".
We don't use "aye" in the southeast of England but my great aunt in Clitheroe does. She uses both "aye" and "yes".