All Y’all
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "all y’all" is the emphatic plural of "y’all," used to make sure everyone in a group is included. It’s a hallmark of Southern grammar and hospitality.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #DialectandGrammar #BlendedWords #Southern
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'All y’all' is more specific - it's not just everbody. It's EVERYBODY. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'All y’all' is more specific - it's not just everbody. It's EVERYBODY. Pronunciation
[AWL yall]
Meaning & Usage
- Emphatic plural of "y’all" (pronoun phrase)
Mae:
Is this for just us?
Is this for just us?
Earl:
No - it’s for all y’all.
No - it’s for all y’all.- Used for clarity or emphasis when addressing a whole group (pronoun phrase)
Mae:
Who needs to sign?
Who needs to sign?
Earl:
All y’all sign at the bottom, please.
All y’all sign at the bottom, please.variations: all of you, every one of y’all, each of y’all
★ "All y’all" doesn’t mean "double plural" - it’s simply a way of emphasizing that the speaker means *everyone in the group,* not just a subset. It’s authentic Southern grammar, not a mistake. ★
Origin and Etymology
"Y’all" itself comes from "you all." Adding "all" to "y’all" for emphasis appears in 19th-century Southern writing and oral histories. It reflects the region’s love of clarity and friendly inclusiveness.
Usage Notes
Still widely used across the South and Appalachia today. Outside the region it’s recognized as Southern but less common in actual speech. In jokes and memes it’s one of the best-known Southern expressions.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it smooth: "all y’all." The first word "all" is stressed, then "y’all" rolls right after. Often drawn out in friendly speech: "Aaaall y’all."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 18). All Y’all. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/all-yall
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "All Y’all." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/all-yall.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "All Y’all." HillbillySlang.com. September 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/all-yall.
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Slang
Latest Southernish
About
Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...