Good Friday evening Y’all. Having been reared south of the Mason-Dixon line, the terms ‘Y’all’ and “all y’all’ have been a part of my vocabulary forever. Yes, I know that y’all is plural and ‘all y’all is plural as well. So for y’all that ain’t accustomed to Southern or even Texan, there is a big difference.
For example, one can say to a group (2 or more for 'all y’all' living beyond the borders), “Y’all come over here!” The group that was address knows that everyone needs to come over here. As in the case of the ‘all y’all in parentheses means that ‘all y’all’ is an exclusionary. It means that 'all y’all' are excluded in the original saying. It is a contextual thing! There is the proper context and usage between the two contractions. Easy for folks within the borders to understand but difficult for folks who live beyond the line to comprehend. "Bless your hearts, I know y'all don't understand." And, no, I am not talking in circles - How dare!
Y’all can be singular as in, “Y’all need to hush, now.” It would be rude and harsh to say to someone, “You need to hush, now.” The singular, contraction, ‘y’all’ softens the directive.
I am glad that I am a southerner and I do my best to educate folks that move into the great city of Nashville the difference between ‘y’all’ and ‘all y’all’. Still confused? Move within the borders. Y’all will learn. Trust me.
;-)
It is a GREAT day at Complete Home Inspections!
Comments (53)Subscribe to CommentsComment