Y'all

Roots

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

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: you, you all

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I use 'y’all' pretty much daily, and so do most around here. As for using y’all for a single person? I've only seen that on televisions and in movies.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I use 'y’all' pretty much daily, and so do most around here. As for using y’all for a single person? I've only seen that on televisions and in movies.

Pronunciation

[YAHL]
/jʌɑl/

Meaning & Usage

- You (plural) (pronoun)

Elmer:

Y’all see that polecat come up on us at the barn?

Estel:

Yeah. I tried to pet it. Thought it was a dog

variations: ya'll, yall

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

Origin and Etymology

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.

Usage 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.

Y’all - /jʌɑl/ standard plural "you" (pronoun)
Y’all's /jʌ.ɑlz/ - possessive form ("Is this y’all’s car?")
Y’alls's /jʌɑlzəz/ - possessive form ("Is this y’alls's house?")

Kin Topics

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.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 13). Y'all. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yall
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Y'all." HillbillySlang.com, 13 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yall.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Y'all." HillbillySlang.com. October 13, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yall.

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