I'm just watching Saturday's racing again and I've noticed something.
To put it into context, I saw a link to an interview with Celtic's James Forrest a few weeks ago in which the mickey was being taken out of him for starting the answers to post-match questions, "Yeh, no, definitely..." and I laughed a at how little sense it made.
After winning on Rock The Kasbah, the first question Richard Johnson was asked brought the reply, "Yeh, no definitely... "
Then before the big race, Jack Channon was interviewed about Mister Whitaker and Mick Channon. EVERY answer started, "Yeh, no..."
I'd presumed James Forrest's answer was bit of a rarity but it obviously isn't.
So how long have people being saying this? When did it start? Who first said it? Where did it come from?
(Maybe I should write to Susie Dent and ask her.)
My guess is that it probably started on something like Match of the Day when peabrained egos are asked a question and struggle to reply (but enough about Alan Shearer...) and it has spread subconsciously. I'd be willing to bet the people have no idea they're actually saying it.