Some languages (Polynesian, for instance) have inclusive and exclusive first person plural (we, including you and we, not including you) also very handy. I remember one time in a group one said we are going somewhere and another member indignatly said she was not going. Y’all often refers to those not even present, such as family or other identifyable group - when the group is assumed. Thus the use when only speaking to one person.
It is not just a southern US construction, as the first words of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation address was “You all know how happy we are on this occasion.” And it did have the elision.
lightenup Premium Member about 13 years ago
This should be interesting…
In the South we distinguish between singular and plural by saying “you” and “y’all”. Very useful.
JWF Premium Member about 13 years ago
In New Jersey, we used to distinguish between singular and plural by saying “Hey you,” or “Hey Youz.” ;-)
arsmall about 13 years ago
Or in Pittsburgh: “you” or “yenz or yenz guys” Of course, I never said that I just said, “y’all” LOL!
hippogriff about 13 years ago
Some languages (Polynesian, for instance) have inclusive and exclusive first person plural (we, including you and we, not including you) also very handy. I remember one time in a group one said we are going somewhere and another member indignatly said she was not going. Y’all often refers to those not even present, such as family or other identifyable group - when the group is assumed. Thus the use when only speaking to one person.
It is not just a southern US construction, as the first words of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation address was “You all know how happy we are on this occasion.” And it did have the elision.
Dewsolo about 13 years ago
Maybe he was actually talking to Annie about the poker tournament at the XYZ Tavern.