Date: Fri, 20 Oct 1995 10:34:59 -0400

From: "M. Lynne Murphy" 104LYN[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]MUSE.ARTS.WITS.AC.ZA

Subject: Re: y'all are crazy



It may appear at times

that "y'all" is being used in the singular, but I assure you that is not

the case. I liked Tom Wharriet's explanation of the implied plural

meaning "you and yours." I think that thorough research would conclude

that there is always some implied or connoted plural meaning even when it

might seem otherwise.



in lotsa languages (and so many unrelated ones that this seems not

to be an entirely arbitrary association), the plural form implies

politeness--couldn't this be what is going on? seems to go with what

was said about salesmen and friendly people using it, but not the

police officer who's caught you doing something naughty.



lynne



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