A couple of weeks ago Heidi Klum laughed at one of the southern contestants on Project Runway for saying, “y’all”. I don’t blame her. Being a military wife, I’ve lived all over the country and had friends from almost every state. I might not have my husband’s Texas drawl, or my mother-in-law’s southern lilt in my voice, but I have been accused of overusing the “y’all.” My Minnesota friends giggle and my New York friends roll their eyes, but I just can’t give it up. I even use it in email. That is why this week’s Why-Not of the Week is, give “y’all” a try!
First of all, I’d like to point out that y’all is a perfectly good contraction. It is a combination of “you” and “all” put together with an apostrophe, just like “don’t”, “haven’t”, etc. I believe “y’all” gets a bad grammar rap because it is used incorrectly as the singular second person when making fun of uneducated southerners. No one really refers to one person as “y’all”.
Second, it is a better alternative than other second person plural options. While “you” is most acceptable as a second person plural, it is confusing since it is more often singular. “You” can easily be mistaken for one of your friends instead of all. “You guys” is not gender neutral and it makes me think of Goonies….. “Heeeey you guyyyys!” I’ve had friends from rural Missouri say “Y’uns” (not sure at all about that spelling). While unique, it’s just a little out there for widespread use.
And finally, “y’all” just rolls off your tongue. Go ahead, give it a try……… see, it feels good! Kind of like linguistic lemonade on a hot Southern afternoon.
____________________________________________
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
My daughter says ya’ll, but more as rapper slang and it drives my husband crazy. I remind him that I heard him refer to a group of people as yous. Yeesh- now that drives me crazy. I like the southern ya’ll- very cute.
I came across your site today and recognized you on my blog with a creative award.
http://raisingcreativeandcuriouskids.blogspot.com/2009/11/inspire-and-encourage-this-is-what.html
Take Care!
Jen
Creative and Curious Kids!
I love your websites – how talented you are! I taught school in 1977 and 1978 with Corrine Litton. When she moved away from Weslaco, Tx in 1978, she was expecting her first baby and I heard later when he was born that they had named him Chance. It’s hard to believe that was just over 30 years ago and it looks like Renie has much to be proud of . And what a great daughter-in-law she gained! Thank you for your websites and your work. Our family will enjoy, esp our nephew and his creative wife who are career military (Marines).
Sincerely,
Pam Marks aka Pamela Krause in 1977-78
Charlotte, North Carolina
Hi Pam, I am so glad you liked the website. It is always wonderful to hear from new people. It must be a small world, because I think you must have been friends with another branch of the Litton clan. The names you mentioned don’t sound familiar, but if they are Littons, I am sure they are great folks. Best of luck to you, and your Nephew’s family too! Semper Fi.