y'all

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "y’all" is the go-to way to say "you" when talking to more than one person.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia

Pronunciation

[YAHL]

Meaning & Usage

- You (plural) (pronoun)

Elmer:

Y’all comin’ to the barn dance tonight?

Estel:

Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

other spellings: ya'll, you all, yall, youse, youns, and yuns

★ If someone says "all y’all," they’re either stressing the point or talking to every last one of you. ★

Origin

Contraction of "you all," dating back to at least the early 19th century in Southern American English. Variants like "youse" and "youns" trace back to Scots-Irish and other immigrant dialects.

Notes

"Y’all" is strictly plural for many speakers, though in some areas it’s used for one person in friendly conversation. Forms like "all y’all" add emphasis, and variants such as "youns" are found in certain Appalachian communities.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "y’all" proper English?

It’s standard in Southern and Appalachian English and widely understood, though it’s considered informal in writing.

Is "y’all" always plural?

Traditionally yes, but some speakers use it for one person in casual speech.

What’s the difference between "y’all" and "all y’all"?

"All y’all" is more emphatic - often used when addressing an entire group without exception.

Where did "y’all" come from?

It evolved from "you all" in the American South, influenced by the speech patterns of early settlers, including Scots-Irish immigrants.