Yep & Yup are two very similar words. In fact, the only difference between yep and yup is one letter, just like the phrases miss you vs i miss you! But can these words be used interchangeably? Or do they have different meanings?
In this post, we’ll explain the difference between these two words so that you can decide between yep or yup. Read on to find out which word you should be using in your daily writing and conversation.
Which Is Correct: Yep or Yup?
The English language is full of similar words that have different use cases, like greatly or grately. So, is there a real difference between the words yup or yep?
The short answer is they are both adverbs and have the same meaning. Both yep and yup are informal ways to say “yes” and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. Both words should only be used in a casual way and should not be used in formal research papers and published works.
However, yep and yup have a different tone or feel to them. This makes them using more popular in different situations.
When To Use Yep
Yep has a more agreeable tone than “yup” because it is a more polite and respectful way of saying “yes”. It suggests that the speaker is taking the other person’s opinion into account, rather than simply responding in the affirmative. Just like the words, mama or momma it should be used in informal ways.
When To Use Yup
“Yup” has a more sarcastic tone than “yep” does. “Yup” can come off as dismissive or impatient, whereas “yep” is more neutral and straightforward.
Yep Sentence Examples
Here are some examples of how to use the word yep. Remember, this word is used in a more agreeable tone.
- “Yep, that’s exactly what I’m thinking!”
- “Yep, I’m ready to go!”
- “Yep, I agree with you there.”
- “Yep, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
- “Yep, I’ll take care of it.”
Yup Sentence Examples
Here are some examples of how to use the word yup. Remember, this word is used in a more sarcastic tone & it is a slang term just like hon or hun!
- “Yup, I’m ready to go!”
- “Yup, that’s the right answer!”
- “Yup, I’ll have fries with that.”
- “Yup, I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
- “Yup, I’m sure that’s what happened.”
Another example of slang is saying “where u at” instead of “where are you?”
Which Is More Popular: Yup or Yep?
Now you know that yup and yep have almost identical meanings with a slight stylistic variance. You also know that it would be considered rude to use these words in a business meeting or other formal setting.
But which word is more popular? According to Google’s NGram, yep is almost twice as popular as yup! Starting in the 1990’s, yep started to become a popular word in writing and casual conversation.
In my opinion, this can be attributed to the invention of the internet. The internet introduced significantly more informal communication channels (i.e DM’s, email, social media, etc.). Whereas in the past, written communication was more formal.
Which Is More Formal: Yep vs Yup?
Neither!
Both “yep” and “yup” are not formal words, like auntie or aunty. But they are commonly used as informal ways to say “yes”. Don’t use informal words in formal settings:
- Job interviews
- Presentations
- Essays
Feel free to use them in casual conversation or when writing a postcard to your best friend.
Common Synonyms
Here are some words you could use instead of yep or yup in your writing. You can use our writer grammar checker to double check your work if you’re unsure!
- Affirmative (adj): expressing agreement or acceptance
- Indeed (adv): used to emphasize the truth of a statement or opinion
- Okay (interj): used to express agreement, acceptance, or acknowledgment
- Correct (adj): entirely accurate or exact
- Precisely (adv): exactly, in every detail
Frequently Asked Questions
Both words yep and yup are correct alternatives for the word “yes”. In the American heritage dictionary, these words are now officially recognized as real words.
Yep is actually the more popular alternative to the word “yes”. In fact, the words yep is almost twice as popular as the word yup.
It depends on the context. If you are talking to a friend in an informal way, yep is not rude. However, in a professional setting, using the word yep is considered rude.
Yes, “yup” is not slang for “yes.” “Yup” is an informal way of saying “yes” or “yeah.”
The Bottom Line
So the next time you’re tempted to say yep or yup, think about how it will make you sound. If you want to be taken seriously, save these words for your close friends and family. For everyone else, a simple yes will do just fine. And if you need some extra spelling help, consider using the WordTune spell checker to make things easy.