Sirree

Part of speech: interjection

Definitions

1. An emphatic word added after yes or no to stress agreement or refusal, as in an informal exclamation of certainty
2. A colloquial intensifier tacked onto yes or no to lend extra force or emphasis to a reply
3. An informal American expression appended to yes or no for added emphasis, often signaling enthusiasm or firm assurance

Etymology: "Sirree" is an emphatic interjection, usually tacked onto "yes" or "no" in American speech, and it is a variant of "siree." The "sir" in it is the ordinary form of address, which English has used since the Middle Ages to speak respectfully to a man. The extra syllable, spelled "-ree," adds emphasis and a note of cheerful insistence, so "No, sirree!" sounds firmer and more colorful than a plain "no." Both spellings are accepted, and the choice mostly comes down to how the speaker wants the word to sound. The "-ree" ending is a playful sound that English has often used for emphasis in informal speech, as in "hurry" or "fiddle-dee-dee," so the interjection fits the same pattern. Its main use is to strengthen a refusal or an agreement with a little swagger.