We say it because it’s practical. Modern Standard English lacks a plural second person pronoun, so Southern English has filled that gap with y’all (a contraction of you all). It really is that simple.
Do they say Y all in New York?
In other regions of the US, ‘y’all’ has historically been far less common. Yet, in the past couple years, ‘y’all’ seems to have exploded in use, including and especially among people who live far outside the South, in places north of the Mason-Dixon Line in the US, like New York City, and even overseas.
What does Y all mean slang?
But the best-known word in the Southern vernacular is probably our most-loved pronoun: y’all. A contraction of “you” and “all” is what forms “y’all” when addressing or referencing two or more people.
Where did the slang y’all come from?
Y’all arose as a contraction of you all. The term first appeared in print sporadically in the Southern United States in the early nineteenth century, though it seems to have remained uncommon throughout most of the South until several decades afterwards.
Is Y all an American thing?
The form y’all is heard primarily in the Southern United States, and nationwide in AAVE. Recently, the form has begun to be used by other American English speakers as well, though still less commonly than you guys. For other second-personal plural pronouns, see you.
What is the NYC accent called?
Metropolitan New York English
New York City English, or Metropolitan New York English, is a regional dialect of American English spoken by many people in New York City and much of its surrounding metropolitan area.
What state says Y all the most?
Here are some of the most interesting maps:
- Basically no one calls it a soft drink.
- Y’all know that Kentucky is the only state where people really say “you all”?
- Philadelphia loves its hoagies, but it’s a sub pretty much everywhere else.
Why do Americans say yall?
Y’all is a contraction of “you all,” and is used conversationally in the American South when a need for a distinct plural is felt. It’s a standard contraction of “you all,” for a group of more than two. It’s typically heard in the southern US, where we’re seldom in a hurry to finish a sentence.
Is Y all unprofessional?
The Grammarist said: “Although y’all is considered informal, it is not a substandard word, nor is it a sign of illiteracy or poor education. In some parts of the U.S., many people from all sorts of backgrounds use the word.
Do Northerners say y all?
The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that while “y’all” is spreading within the United States outside its traditional territory in the South (Texas mostly patterns as a Southern state when it comes to language), its use outside North America is very limited.
Is Y all only used in Texas?
No, “y’all” is a generic Southernism that exists from Virginia all the way down to Texas. It’s actually a very efficient way of differentiating the second person plural, that has not existed in “standard” English since people said “thou” for second person singular and “you” for second person plural.
What states use the phrase y all?
South and Texas, and if so, where? The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that while “y’all” is spreading within the United States outside its traditional territory in the South (Texas mostly patterns as a Southern state when it comes to language), its use outside North America is very limited.
Why is Y all so popular?
“Y’all” is in the mainstream now. While historically associated with the southern United States, “y’all” is becoming a popular choice for people who want to address multiple people.
The Original Second-Person Plural In Old English.
| Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
| First | I | we |
| Second | you | you(?) |
| Third | he/she/they | they |
Do Brits say yall?
No they do not it’s not a standard British expression nor is it a colloquial expression. They may say it following the viewing of an American film (movie) or TV programme for amusement.
Who invented Y all?
The general scholarly consensus is that y’all’s origin is actually Scottish. While some disagreements exist as to the first recorded use of y’all—with scholars dating the term’s first use to either 1909, 1886, or 1851—the widely accepted history of the term dates to 18th-century New York.
Do Canadians say yall?
Generally you will not hear Canadians using that term. We say it now and again, mostly in a humorous poke at American friends who tease us Canadians about saying “eh?” (which we certainly do).
How do New Yorkers say water?
Water is pronounced “waw-tuh“
New Yorkers drop the “R” here.
How do New Yorkers say coffee?
Caw-fee
Most Popular Words New Yorkers Say Differently
Coffee – Caw-fee – Easily a New York Accent word favorite. The “off” in the word coffee is replaced with an “aww” sound.
How do New Yorkers say hello?
Ayo. Another greeting you might hear New Yorkers say is Ayo. It is an informal way to say hi and basically means ay, you, how ya doin?
How do Southerners say hello?
Howdy. This is a Southern way to say hello. Howdy! How are you today?
Do people in Florida say yall?
If you hear someone say, “Hey, look at the alligator,” you know he’s from out of state. Y’all — an all-purpose contraction used to distinguish us from the rest of you. The word is not pronounced “you all,” which is how imitation Floridians say it. Seniors — what Floridians call retirees.