Date:  Tue, 17 Jan 1995 11:07:17 -0500

From:  Elizabeth Martinez <MARTINEZE[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]COFC.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

I, too, grew up in NY (Queens) and have heard and used "yous" as the plural

of "you". I remember hearing and saying "Yous guys better cut it out" or

"yous better be there" or "I'm not going with yous", etc. It was pretty

common on the streets (not in school!).