Y'all, etc.

[Dan Goodman]

Date:    Tue, 5 Aug 2003 21:48:55 +1000
From:    "Prof. R. Sussex" <sussex at UQ.EDU.AU>
Subject: y'all

I'd like to ask whether y'all is unmarked in plural address, and in
what senses it can be used in singular address, if indeed it can be.
The parallel youse in Australia is usually plural, but can sometimes
be used for singular address. Strange differences from T/V!
Roly Sussex

Note that "youse" also shows up in New York City.  (Though I think it's
now obsolete except for humorous purposes.  If I'm wrong, I expect that
someone will correct me.)   The Macquarie Book of Slang (conveniently on
the web, reached via http://onelook.com) says it's originally Irish.

In Minnesota, at least in the Twin Cities area, "we" can be singular in
"We'll see you."



--
Dan Goodman
Journal http://dsgood.blogspot.com
Whatever you wish for me, may you have twice as much.