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.