Aye

[keannu]

Is "Aye" only for meeting consent or a general use?

go1-ybm-3
CP: It has been moved and seconded that we create a site to deal with verbal and physical abuse. All in favor?
Everyone: Aye.
CP: Opposed?

 

[Tdol]

It's used in parliament in the UK for voting, so it has that association. It can be used in some regional forms, so if someone offered you a coffee, you could use it, but it's not that common.

 

[Tullia]

You might also come across it in the phrase "Aye-aye cap'n" which basically means "Yes captain" in a nautical sense. If you heard that on dry land, it would probably be being used ironically in some fashion, or with jocular intent.

 

[BobK]

:up: But not just that. 'Aye-Aye' means 'I've heard the command and will do it.' On a ship you could get this exchange.

Captain: 'It's a rough night, isn't it.'
Subordinate: 'Aye, it is, cap'n.'
Captain: 'Splice the mainbrace.' [No idea what this means, but it's traditional - and for the purposes of this example the meaning doesn't matter. What matters is that it's a command. ;-)]
Subordinate: 'Aye-aye, cap'n.'

b

 

[konungursvia]

In our Parliament, modelled on yours, we use "Yea" and "Nay." I didn't know yours used "Aye."

It's used in parliament in the UK for voting, so it has that association. It can be used in some regional forms, so if someone offered you a coffee, you could use it, but it's not that common.

 

[SoothingDave]

It's not used in daily life in AmE. Only when voice voting.

 

[BobK]

In our Parliament, modelled on yours, we use "Yea" and "Nay." I didn't know yours used "Aye."

Made me think for a while - but Tdol's right. This exchange is frequent in the House of Commons:

Speaker: All those in favour say 'Aye'.
One side: Aye.
Spkr: To the contrary, 'Nay'.
Other side: Nay.
Spkr: I think the 'Ayes' have it./or Clear the lobbies. [The first stage in the physical voting procedure.]

b