yes box

Swedish

Alternative forms

• yes box alright

Etymology

A pseudo-anglicism; origin uncertain. At least two theories exist:

• According to folklorist Bengt af Klintberg, from a humorous anecdote about a Swedish emigrant to America who is told that he will be able to communicate adequately with just three words: yes, box and alright. When he arrives in New York he is sighted next to a dead body; the policeman asks him: "Did you kill this man?" ("Yes!") "How did you kill him?" ("Box.") "Follow me to the police station!" ("Alright!").

• An alteration of English "yes boss (alright)".

Interjection

yes box

1. sure thing; yes

References

• Varför säger man yes box alright och var kommer uttrycket ifrån?. Swedish Language Council.