this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2023
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I'm sure plenty of nice folks use "y'all" but unfortunately, from the perspective of a Brit on the other side of the ocean, it's not a positive thing. Because of recent history it will forever be associated for me with red hat wearing, low IQ fanatics. I can't help it either. The second anyone says "y'all" in a conversation I assume they're idiots at best and dangerous, racist, fox news watching fanatics at worst. There would have to be A WHOLE LOT of clear examples of nice people using that expression for me to change my view. I just haven't met any yet. I'm not trying to be nasty. I have literally never met anyone who use that expression who didn't turn out to be a terrible person.
Hey y'all! I totally get where you're coming from, and it's unfortunate that some experiences can cast a shadow over a simple phrase. "Y'all" is just a warm, inclusive way many in the Southern US address folks. I'm not from the South, but rather the Midwest and I have even adopted the term. I can understand where you are coming from and I dislike that some ignorant people have ruined red hats and "y'all" for many of us. Believe it or not, many kind-hearted, intelligent, and compassionate folks use "y'all" daily and don't embody the aforementioned characterization. It's about the heart and intentions behind the word, not the word itself. I hope by sharing and posting here, we can start to bring counter balance to that stereotype. Have a great day!
The British equivalents are 'youse' or 'you lot'.
Or the somewhat rare "youse'all"
For what it's worth, as a northeastern US liberal who has adopted y'all as an inclusive way to address people, this type of reaction is one of the things that has led to Trumpism.
A bit more temperance before you condemn tons of people based on something open for interpretation like this might be a worthwhile thing to consider going forward.