Date: Sat, 14 Jan 1995 12:15:03 -0500
From: Abigail Sarah Margulies asm16[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]COLUMBIA.EDU
Subject: Re: 2 pl.
On Sat, 14 Jan 1995, Aaron Drews wrote:
I haven't heard "yous" in formal usage, or, if I remember correctly,
in simple, active declaritive sentences. I have heard it in questions,
like "How are yous?" or "Can I get yous anything?". Perhaps it's the
brogue, but it certainly doesn't sound like the stereotypical,
blue-collar Chicago Bears fan.
I'm just wondering if anybody else has heard this in other parts of
the English-speaking world. If so, where, in what context, etc.?
Where I grew up, in Central Upstate New York, it wasn't unusual to
hear "yous." I remember hearing it in questions, like the ones Drews
mentioned, but also in declarative sentences like "Yous all better
stop doing that" or "We thought we'd do this 'til yous got here." I still
hear it used when I visit my parents' home.
Abbie