<P> "Aye aye, sir" is a phrase commonly heard in present - day naval language . It is derived from a duplicate of the word "aye" which came into the English language in the late 16th century and early 17th century, meaning "Yes; even so .". </P> <P> "Aye" was common in dialect and is the formal word for voting "yes" in the United Kingdom House of Commons . </P> <P> The most common use of "Aye aye, sir" is as a naval response indicating that an order has been received, is understood, and will be carried out immediately . It differs from "yes", which, in standard usage, could mean simple agreement without any intention to act . In naval custom, a reply of "yes sir" would indicate agreement to a statement that was not understood as an order or a requirement to do anything . The alternatives of "aye aye sir" and "yes sir" would allow any misunderstanding to be corrected at once . This might be a matter of life and death for a ship at sea . </P> <P> Basically, it means that the speaker understands and will obey a direct order . </P>

When do you say aye aye sir and yes sir
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