Skip to main content
Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.

Well yes, but actually no 

A phrase often used to point out instances of technicality, ambiguity, or hypocrisy.

1. A technicality. The meaning of the phrase in this context is "well yes, technically you are correct about superficial elements, but actually no, you are wrong about the substance in some way that invalidates the premise."

2. Ambiguity. The meaning of the phrase in this context is "well yes, some elements of this that have merit, but actually no, there are further details that must be considered."

3. Hypocrisy. The meaning of the phrase in this context is "well yes, I will say something to you to temporarily satisfy you, but actually no, my true actions will go against what I've said."
Site: Will you provide an example? We won't let you submit this without an example.

Me: Well yes, but actually no.

Well yes, but actually no 

What you say when you know what is expected of you, but you dont care.

Origin:
In an animated short film called “So You Want to be a Pirate!”. There’s a part where a character says “good guess, but actually no”. Someone posted a screen cap of it on Reddit, but captioned as “Well yes, but actually no”
My friend: Don’t you feel bad about taking his stuff?
Me: Well yes, but actually no.

Me: So you’ll for sure be here to fix my internet tomorrow?
Comcast: Well yes, but actually no.

Me: (clicks not interested on the same YouTube video for the millionth time)
YouTube: Well yes, but actually no.

yes, but actually no 

A meme, which has lasted more than 6 months.
"Does PETA helps to save animals?"

Yes, but actually no.
More from Urban Dictionary

funflation 

The recent boom in consumer spending on entertainment and experiences with a high demand running up the cost of enjoying of those experiences.
I’m trying to go to this Taylor Swift concert but the funflation has made it so impossible for me to afford tickets.
funflation by Dfree523 November 17, 2023
Word of the Day on October 13, 2026
A US deep south term for an alligator. Usually used in the Cajun dialect.
Take the big pirogue, I saw a huge swamp dog out there earlier.
swamp dog by Crystal Ambrose May 22, 2006
Word of the Day on October 12, 2026

Throat Sweats 

The feeling and build up in your mouth/throat of saliva that sometimes accompanies nausea.
Oh man those burritos gave me the throat sweats, I hope I don’t have food poisoning.
Throat Sweats by TacoFings420 April 23, 2024
Word of the Day on October 11, 2026
Being ignored by someone when making a statement or asking a question. Also known as blanked and turfed.
Person 1: Did u watch ** last nite?
Person 2:......
Person 3: O no u got aired!
aired by Pietro February 9, 2005
Word of the Day on October 10, 2026

piddlefart

verb. To waste time doing nothing.
Instead of doing my homework, I decided to piddlefart around for two hours.
piddlefart by Rene April 25, 2005
Word of the Day on October 9, 2026
anyone who succeeds in disgracing/over indulging themselves in the throws of clubland
28 hours and 4 clubs later, gurning for england but still refusing to go home - a total wrongun!!
wrongun by bevvers March 21, 2007
Word of the Day on October 8, 2026
Load more