phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Jonesing (Valspeak?) and "mmm hmm" for "you're welcome"

Posted by The Fallen on January 10, 2002

Two quickies... the meaning and origin of the verb "to jones". I suspect valspeak here (and thank you to whoever brought that wonderful term to my attention in an earlier thread).

Also what's the origin of "mmm hmm" being used as a synonym for "you're welcome" in the USA? This still throws me every time I hear it, since in the UK, "mmm hmm" exclusively means "yes" or "I agree".

Thanks.

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