don’t forget the plural form – all y’all
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.
"All y'all are welcome, but you gotta act right."
One of my favorites. As an Appalachian person living in New England, can confirm people find my tendency to "y'all" endearing.
If you want to add a touch of class, try using yinz instead.
I grew up in the south but my mom was originally from PA. When I was around 10 we were in the airport in PA and this unkempt obnoxious woman sitting next to me asked "where yinz going?" real loudly. I remember being so confused, thinking wtf did this lady just say to me?? It was like a foreign language. Ever since that day "yinz" has always left a bad taste in my mouth. No classy connotations for me.
Variations on the theme also allow me to exercise one of life's great pleasures, which is slipping words with multiple apostrophes into serious business communication.
"Y'ain't" is one of my favourites, but "y'all've" is equally good.
Y'alld'n't've
Not when Paula Deen says it.
“Y’all” is the best.
I stick with dude but yall do yams.
Growing up near Houston Texas, I've never thought of saying anything other than y'all.