A fork of Rural Dictionary
A colloquial word used in Newburyport, Massachusetts at least before the Second World War (1939-1945), allegedly shouted from one naval ship to another to identify a resident of Newburyport. Also used to show both affirmation and disapproval ("yes," "no"); first word of the Newburyport slang-phrase "yeat the bun." Yeat can be used as a greeting, as a noun, an interjection, an adjective, and a verb.
John: Yeat! Mark: Yes, yeat indeed. And how are you doing this fine day? John: Yeat. Mark: Ah, not too well. Do you want to go help me do chores? John: Yeat to that! Mark: Ah, so you'd rather not. How about the movies. John: YEAT! Mark: Great, let's go. (various usages)