What do you think?
Rate this book
Yeah, Nah!: A Celebration of Life and the Words That Make Us Who We Are
Have you ever bunged it on?
Behaved like a drongo?
Added mayo to a story?
Lost your Reg Grundies?
Join bestselling storyteller William McInnes as he offers his own take on our colourful and colloquial way with words. From the simpler times of childhood to today's testing (and unprecedented!) times, or when we're wasting time, enjoying sporting times or hitting the big time, Australians have a turn of phrase for every situation. Our love of plain speaking communicates the essence of the thing to our mates, to those in the know - and to those who should know better.
Part memoir, part manifesto, this warm, witty, poignant and laugh-out-loud funny collection will have you thinking about what you say, how you say it and what that really says about us as a nation.
Behaved like a drongo?
Added mayo to a story?
Lost your Reg Grundies?
Join bestselling storyteller William McInnes as he offers his own take on our colourful and colloquial way with words. From the simpler times of childhood to today's testing (and unprecedented!) times, or when we're wasting time, enjoying sporting times or hitting the big time, Australians have a turn of phrase for every situation. Our love of plain speaking communicates the essence of the thing to our mates, to those in the know - and to those who should know better.
Part memoir, part manifesto, this warm, witty, poignant and laugh-out-loud funny collection will have you thinking about what you say, how you say it and what that really says about us as a nation.
Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2023
23 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
William McInnes
32 books71 followersDarryl William McInnes (born 10 September 1963) is one of Australia’s most popular stage and screen actors.
His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.
William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.
His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.
William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 10, 2024
A few years ago, I read Holidays by William McInnes. Loved it. Found that he perfectly captured our Aussie way of life, its language and laid-back feel. So, I was excited to read this collection of stories and memories inspired by Australian language.
Do you enjoy reading about Covid, sports and politics? I don’t. It makes me grimace. Unfortunately, McInnes dives into these subjects that I loathe to read about. They make up a substantial amount of the pages. I wasn’t expecting this. I didn't want to read about the pandemic and its acronyms. It’s almost with a fondness that McInnes reminisces about those days. Sorry, William. You didn’t need multiple chapters on this.
Yeah, Nah! is a book that’s almost confused as to what it is. If the book isn’t confused, then the reader probably will be. I wouldn’t even attempt this if you’re non-Australian.
Anecdotes about disposing of a spa, and a swarm of bees are among the most memorable. Even then, I’ll probably forget them by tomorrow. I did, however, enjoy brief sections on how advertising has influenced our slang ("Happy Little Vegemites" and "Not Happy Jan") and the Australian tendency to give everyone and everything nicknames.
“If there is one thing that Australians do well, it is nicknames.”
Some of the standout words and phrases included the likes of "Tommy Austins" (rabbits), "Noahs" (sharks), "Jackie Howes" (singlets), "Behaving like a galah," "Carrying on like a pork chop" and "Leaving a light on for Harold Holt."
I appreciate that sports are a big part of Australian culture - but it grew tedious. A phrase like “to cop a spray” turned into pages of McInnes recounting the times coaches yelled at players.
I usually love McInnes’ writing style and way he effortlessly segues into different stories and topics. It doesn’t work here. There’s a tiredness across the pages, a kind of rambling vibe, and far too many in-jokes.
I’ve often listed McInnes among my favourite Australian writers, so this read was particularly disappointing. While it offered small glimpses of greatness, they were too fleeting and the laughter too rare. This should’ve been a lot more fun than it was.
Yeah, Nah. An apt title.
Do you enjoy reading about Covid, sports and politics? I don’t. It makes me grimace. Unfortunately, McInnes dives into these subjects that I loathe to read about. They make up a substantial amount of the pages. I wasn’t expecting this. I didn't want to read about the pandemic and its acronyms. It’s almost with a fondness that McInnes reminisces about those days. Sorry, William. You didn’t need multiple chapters on this.
Yeah, Nah! is a book that’s almost confused as to what it is. If the book isn’t confused, then the reader probably will be. I wouldn’t even attempt this if you’re non-Australian.
Anecdotes about disposing of a spa, and a swarm of bees are among the most memorable. Even then, I’ll probably forget them by tomorrow. I did, however, enjoy brief sections on how advertising has influenced our slang ("Happy Little Vegemites" and "Not Happy Jan") and the Australian tendency to give everyone and everything nicknames.
“If there is one thing that Australians do well, it is nicknames.”
Some of the standout words and phrases included the likes of "Tommy Austins" (rabbits), "Noahs" (sharks), "Jackie Howes" (singlets), "Behaving like a galah," "Carrying on like a pork chop" and "Leaving a light on for Harold Holt."
I appreciate that sports are a big part of Australian culture - but it grew tedious. A phrase like “to cop a spray” turned into pages of McInnes recounting the times coaches yelled at players.
I usually love McInnes’ writing style and way he effortlessly segues into different stories and topics. It doesn’t work here. There’s a tiredness across the pages, a kind of rambling vibe, and far too many in-jokes.
I’ve often listed McInnes among my favourite Australian writers, so this read was particularly disappointing. While it offered small glimpses of greatness, they were too fleeting and the laughter too rare. This should’ve been a lot more fun than it was.
Yeah, Nah. An apt title.
February 13, 2024
Good - typical Will-I-am. A bit repetitive in places though.
March 7, 2024
Although, in all fairness, I didn't finish it.
You can read my lukewarm review at
https://residentjudge.com/2024/03/07/...
You can read my lukewarm review at
https://residentjudge.com/2024/03/07/...
April 25, 2024
Relaxing to read but ultimately a tad blokey. He does not elaborate on the stories from any women in his circle. But nothing against blokes writing blokey books for blokes. Also, I thought it was 'Spag Bog' not 'Spag Bol'.
June 18, 2024
Really, really disappointing. I would have to be William's No. 1 fan and I did not like this book at all. It was really missing his usual storytelling flow and well timed giggles. This is the first of his books I haven't loved!
June 18, 2024
I read this as an audiobook on my daily drive to and from work. Not only written by William McInnes but also narrated and I think in this case it made a difference. It made it feel like we were just in conversation, either in the car, or maybe in the line up for the coffee shop, or over a beer at a party.
While each chapter dealt with a particular expression we Australians are fond to use (Mostly) the chapter filled with reminiscences and stories from various stages of William's own life. There are times when you think that he's gone completely off topic, but he carefully brings it all back.
It was a pleasant listen, and only of those text that I think I'd like to get paper copy for a second read.
While each chapter dealt with a particular expression we Australians are fond to use (Mostly) the chapter filled with reminiscences and stories from various stages of William's own life. There are times when you think that he's gone completely off topic, but he carefully brings it all back.
It was a pleasant listen, and only of those text that I think I'd like to get paper copy for a second read.
January 25, 2025
I was interested in reading this book because the book talks about Australian slangs and for someone who is a language teacher and is not Australian born the book is awesome.
The author explains the slangs in a context of his own life.
I also wanted to read the book because the author is an actor as well and I’ve seen good TV series and movies about him.
The author explains the slangs in a context of his own life.
I also wanted to read the book because the author is an actor as well and I’ve seen good TV series and movies about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
Great read, flows easily and is very entertaining and enlightening. A real gander at the phrases and nicknames in the Australian vernacular. Thoroughly engaging and recommend to anyone that likes a good guffaw.
February 23, 2024
Easy to read, light hearted novel with lots of Aussie vernacular and humour. Having also grown up in Redcliffe, I could picture and relate to many of the stories William told about his life growing up in Redcliffe.
March 3, 2024
Pleasant enough. Series of comical anecdotes, very Australian- quite disjointed and rambling at times. Little gems shone through, such as the discussion of being woke, Australia Day and the words of wisdom list. An emphasis on sport and Brisbane surrounds.
January 2, 2024
It's entertaining low brow fare. Stories about use of language. Some interesting; some a bit turgid.
Really 2.5 stars and I rounded it up.
Really 2.5 stars and I rounded it up.
January 4, 2024
A bit repetitive, made me smile in parts.
Worth a read.
Worth a read.
January 10, 2024
Laughed out loud all the way. A wonderful celebration of Aussie diversity and characters, makes me feel proud and grateful to be an Aussie and hopeful about our future. Totally nailed it.
February 21, 2024
Yeah, Nah sums it up nicely with emphasis on the NAH!
April 8, 2024
Not going to displace Hemingway (who gets a mention) on the pantheon of great writers, yeah, nah nudges the funny bone intermittently and incudes a plethora of yeah, nah moments
January 30, 2025
Very blokey. William has a beautiful voice. Some of the stories are wonderful and some are self indulgent. I’m a big fan of McInnes previous books.
February 6, 2025
It was great to listen to the author read this book.
April 24, 2025
A mixed easy read. Some interesting pieces and some not so much. Ends on a sentimental note. I do enjoy the relaxed tone.
Read
June 20, 2025So fun. A great recall of accents, humour and Aussie lingo. Thank you!!
July 29, 2025
A very entertaining and fun look at our Aussie lingo.
January 21, 2025
You’ll hear this phrase “yeah, nah” at least twenty times a day if you visit Australia!
William McInnes writes a great book and he could easily be your best mate or your favourite uncle! His writing is warm and funny and has that, wear on your sleeve, typical Aussie honesty to it. He’s the proverbial larrikin! If you want to know how we speak, what it means to be a mate or just join in and have a chuckle on us, read Yeah, Nah or pretty much anything by William McInnes. You’ll even find him in some successful television series!
William McInnes writes a great book and he could easily be your best mate or your favourite uncle! His writing is warm and funny and has that, wear on your sleeve, typical Aussie honesty to it. He’s the proverbial larrikin! If you want to know how we speak, what it means to be a mate or just join in and have a chuckle on us, read Yeah, Nah or pretty much anything by William McInnes. You’ll even find him in some successful television series!
June 29, 2024
A great read. If you are looking for a light read that puts a grin on your face as you read then this one will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews