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