Pronunciation: [jˈakɪti jˈak] (IPA) 
The phrase "yakkety yak" originated from the 1958 song by The Coasters which encourages someone to stop talking excessively. The spelling of the word "yakkety" is pronounced /ˈjæk.ɪ.ti/ with a "yak" sound at the start, followed by the "ih" vowel sound and a hard "t" sound. The word "yak" refers to a type of large, domesticated bovine found in Asia. The phrase has since become a colloquialism for idle and excessive chatter.
Yakkety yak refers to a colloquial phrase primarily used in informal contexts, especially in conversation or written language. The term is commonly used to describe or imitate the sound or style of excessive, incessant, or trivial talk or chatter. It is often employed to express annoyance or frustration over someone talking too much or about unimportant matters.
Derived from the word "yak," which refers to a bovine mammal known for its long and shaggy hair native to the Himalayan region, "yakkety yak" conveys the idea of prolonged, repetitive, and possibly meaningless babble, much like the sound of a yak's vocalizations. The repetition of the word itself adds emphasis to the concept of prolonged or excessive talk, enhancing the negative connotation associated with it.
The phrase "yakkety yak" can be applied to various situations, such as when someone engages in trivial conversation, indulges in gossip or rumors, or fails to get to the point or address important matters. It is a way to express impatience or frustration with the speaker's lack of focus or the perceived inconsequential nature of their communication.
In informal contexts, people often use the phrase as a light-hearted, humorous way to complain or convey their desire for the speaker to stop talking or change the subject. It has become a popular expression that adds a touch of color to everyday language, allowing individuals to playfully address someone's tendency to talk too much or engage in unproductive conversation.
The term "yakkety yak" originated in American English slang in the 1950s. It is believed to be derived from the word "yak", meaning to talk incessantly or chatter noisily. The repetition of the word "yak" in "yakkety yak" adds emphasis and rhythm to the phrase. The phrase gained popularity after the release of a song titled "Yakety Yak" by The Coasters in 1958, which further solidified its usage in popular culture.
