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.
17đź‘Ť 1đź‘Ž
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.
38đź‘Ť 23đź‘Ž