Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997 16:56:16 -0800

From: Matthew James Gordon gordonm[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CALUMET.PURDUE.EDU

Subject: stay and live



Since moving to the Chicago area (NW Indiana), I have noticed a usage

that was previously unfamilar to me. The use of "stay" as opposed to

"live" as in "Where do you stay?" "I stay in Hammond on 173rd street."

(It is clear that the meaning of temporary residence (e.g. "stay in a

hotel") is not intended.) I wonder if anyone has discussed the

distribution of this form or has observed it elsewhere. The couple of

times I have noted this it has been from African American speakers, but I

suppose it might be regional as well or instead. Can anyone provide some

information? Thanks.