How did uhn-uh come to mean “no” and uh-huh come to mean “yes” in English?

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Pretty much the title. Also curious if other languages have similar non-word sounds for negation/affirmation.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Well the no is a step down in pitch while the yes is a step up in pitch. Combined with facial expressions and movements like nodding the head, the meaning is obvious. I think what matters is, usually saying no results in a bit of negative emotion, and that tends to be expressed with decreasing pitch. While positive emotions tend be be expressed with rising pitch. Add a pinch of nonverbal cues and they just slot right in.

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