Okay, I know the writers of Seinfeld didn’t invent “yadda yadda yadda”, but merely popularized it. However, I’m not sure I remember hearing “Yesssss!” before Home Alone. Also, I am almost sure that “Be afraid…Be very afraid,” was original with the Jeff Goldblum/Geena Davis version of The Fly. Granted, I was only 16 when it was released, but I remember it sounding very contrary to the normal horror movie exchange, where A says “Don’t be afraid,” B tremulously says “Okay,” and then the monster pounces or whatever.
I think you’re right on “be very afraid”, but wrong on “yesss”, which has always been Marv Albert’s gimmick. That and dressing up in women’s underwear.
I thought ‘Yadda yadda yadda’ was popularised by Woody Allen’s film “Annie Hall” when it first came out. Maybe I’m just showing my age.
Incidentally, is there any agreed correct spelling of ‘yadda’? I seem to see quite a few variations. If there is a right way I’d like to know what it is, and if there is not I’d like to know how come there isn’t!
I’ve never seen a single ep of “Seifeld,” so I’m not sure how you’re pronouncing “Yeeeesssss.”
However, on an old radio show (Jack Benny, I think), there was a character, who usually showed up as a shopkeeper. A typical exchange would go something like:
Benny: Excuse me, sir. . .
Shopkeeper: YEEEESSSSSSSS?
Benny: Do you work here?
Shopkeeper: (sarcastic): Noooooo, I just thought it would be amusing to come in and confuse you!
This actor later did this shtick on TV, I remember him doing the same routine with Fred on “Sanford and Son,” etc.
No; those are different pronunciations and connotations. What you’re referring to puts the pressure on the glottal ‘y’ sound, as if the word is being dragged up from the diaphraghm. This was also parodied on the Simpsons, where the mystery was solved.
Homer: Why do you talk that way?
Maitre’d: I had a STROOOOOOOOKE!
Anyway, the Maccaulay Culkin/Marv Albert “Yesssssssss” has the emphasis on the sibilant ‘s’, indicating deep satisfaction. “Kevin” said it every time one of his booby-traps worked and the housebreakers were wounded or humiliated. Marv Albert (apparently) said it to honor a slam-dunk, home run, or touchdown.
The Great Gildersleeve was the fellow on the Jack Benny show. And his yesssss was different than MaCauley Culkin’s. GG was very sarcastic, while our little imp was exuberant.