How would I even go about finding this out?

I have DEFINITELY seen movies or tv shows ... whatever - where a waitress or someone says to a single person 'Y'all come back now, ya hear?'

But then again.. I could be wrong.

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Posted by rojerono

I have DEFINITELY seen movies or tv shows ... whatever - where a waitress or someone says to a single person 'Y'all come back now, ya hear?'

But then again.. I could be wrong.

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Isn't that line from the end of the Beverly Hillbillies TV show? 'Ellie Mae' would say it at the end of the episode to the 'audience.'


As someone who spent 23 of her 26 years there, I have never said to my mom 'What are y'all doing later?' and meant just her. It doesn't make much sense. [actually, most people 'down there' would say 'Wut're y'all doo-in' layter?']

eta: 'y'alls' is more posessive...as in what is y'alls problem? [translation: what is you all's problem?]

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Posted by Goldi1021

I believe that 'y'all' is a slang contraction for 'you all'. One would think it is always plural. In fact, I might be so bold as to say that it is always plural. However, when you say it to one person, it may be construed as singular. 'YOU ALL' would include the direct recipient of the sentiment as well as all others in close association.

Please pass the Maneschewitz.

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I agree. Since English doesnt have a 'you' in plural (many languages have this in some form or another), this is used in certian areas in the US. In NY, it is common to say you guys. Down in Australia I hear 'yous' often. Drives me crazy

ETA: down south has a real interesting dialect. I was down in Georgia in February and listening to the people talk was really interesting, but that is what I study. The grammar is all its own. He don't instead of he doesn't, etc.