This phrase, occasionally lengthened into “Yes, Sirree,” is used by way of emphasis. Compare NO, SIR. The accent in each case is on the last syllable or word.
1799. Yes Sir! and [France] has been successful beyond any former experience.—The Aurora, Phila., Aug. 8.
1843. Does’nt [sic] the ole book itself say the earth aint no shape at all?—its got no form—its nuthin but a grate stretched along place like a powerful big prararee without any ind,—yes, sir, and as flat as a pancake.—B. R. Hall (‘Robert Carlton’), ‘The New Purchase,’ i. 158.
1850. She is handsome? ‘Ay!’ And amiable? ‘Even so.’ And loves you? ‘Yea, verily!’ And is in possession of ‘the tin?’ ‘Yes, Sir-REE!’—Then why in the name of Tom Walker do n’t you get married?—Knick. Mag., xxxv. 559 (June). (Italics in the original.)
1853. Wiggins, Jun. A printed edition? Anacreon. Yes, Sir; printed at Smyrna, in two volumes; in fine, clear type; with capital notes, too, and choice cuts.—F. Townsend, ‘Fun and Earnest,’ p. 237 (N.Y.). (Italics in the original.)
1853. See SOME PUMPKINS.
1854. ‘Can it be possible!’ said I. ‘Yes-sir-ee!’ said the Squire.—H. H. Riley, ‘Puddleford,’ p. 121 (N.Y.). (Italics in the original.)
1856. ‘He was a-toasting of us,’ continued another, ‘till we was a-done brown and fricasseed!’ ‘Yes, Sir’ee-bob!’ added another.—Knick. Mag., xlvii. 259 (March).
1857. See B’HOY.
