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.
As a progressive from the South, I would say y'all is number one on the list of positive things to come from the area. I definitely understand the perspective you're bringing in but you're also painting a wide brush on top of many people who disagree with the groups you're referring to.
While it's true that the majority of people in my state voted for Trump twice that majority wasn't huge. 46 percent voted the other way in 2020.
It genuinely a shame that something that is inclusive is being viewed so negatively in your eyes.
"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.
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
If you want to add a touch of class, try using yinz instead.
I stick with dude but yall do yams.
“Y’all” is the best.