why do people say mmhmm instead of yes?

people say mmhmm whenever I'm talking to them and theres less syllables in yes, so why not just say yes instead of mmhmm or ahuh?

brian pulling2012-06-30T01:49:28Z

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because yes is an actual word and mmhmm is just a sound although its 'more syllables' its actually its actually easier to form requiring less muscles. it doesn't require you to even open your mouth. plus its less committal so its usually more appropriate if you not really paying attention

crrllpm2012-06-30T01:54:50Z

mmhmm and ahuh are non comittal sounds. They do not necessarily mean 'yes'. They mean the person was probably just listening to you, not agreeing with you.