[Grammar] ain't

[Mannysteps]

Going through a thread I saw "ain't" used in a humorous manner. My question is: is it simply wrong or is it just archaic?

 

[birdeen's call]

Going through a thread I saw "ain't" used in a humorous manner. My question is: is it simply wrong or is it just archaic?

It is by no means archaic. "Ain't" is widely used in America and in England. "Simply wrong" is what some people might call it, but certainly not all people. It is commonly considered non-standard.

 

[Mannysteps]

Thank you Birdeen's call. The problem here is that the practical totality of teachers tend to shun it and condemn its use, and now I gather, for no reason. Also course books are quick to show "Isn't/Aren't" but totally exclude "Ain't". I suppose it is only sheer snobbery.

Regards,

M.

 

[birdeen's call]

Thank you Birdeen's call. The problem here is that the practical totality of teachers tend to shun it and condemn its use, and now I gather, for no reason. Also course books are quick to show "Isn't/Aren't" but totally exclude "Ain't". I suppose it is only sheer snobbery.

Not all teachers condemn the use of "ain't". Fortunately (in my opinion), many people are not inclined to condemn things. However, the exclusion of "ain't" from coursebooks has a motivation. The word is not a part of standard English and there seems to be little reason for a learner to use it. It's a good thing to know about it though, because it is used by many native speakers.

 

[TheParser]

Going through a thread I saw "ain't" used in a humorous manner. My question is: is it simply wrong or is it just archaic?

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Hello, Mannysteps.


(1) Birdeen's Call has given us excellent advice.

(2) May I give you my advice?

PLEASE do NOT use it, except when you want to be humorous or

very informal:

Tom: The boss is a real idiot.

Ralph: Ain't that true!!!

(3) I have no doubt that if you use ain't on a regular basis,

it will kill your career chances. A company would be embarrassed

to be represented by someone who consistently uses ain't.

(4) Of course, we must be very respectful of everyone, including

people who use ain't regularly. We should never say anything that

hurts their feelings, and we should never correct their "mistake."

For such people, it is not a "mistake." But I can assure you that

most people would not be caught dead (as we say) using that

word. In fact, when people DO use that word, the listener usually

smiles or laughs because the listener knows that the speaker is

being humorous/sarcastic on purpose.


James

 

[Mannysteps]

Thank you James. What I consider indeed unnaceptable is the usage with other than the first person:

I / you/ she, he, it / we / they ain't

But I quite like it when adequately used, although I tend to avoid it myself. Brainwash, I suppose.

By the way, this thread can be rooted to a funny remark you made, in accordance to the reasons of use you have so well pointed out.

M.

 

[Barb_D]

Do you mean other than the second person? You list first person there.

So you find "you ain't" okay but "I ain't" and "he ain't" unacceptable?

Is it just a personal preference or can you say why?

 

[Mannysteps]

Thank you James. What I consider indeed unnaceptable is the usage with other than the first person:

I / you/ she, he, it / we / they ain't

But I quite like it when adequately used, although I tend to avoid it myself. Brainwash, I suppose.

By the way, this thread can be rooted to a funny remark you made, in accordance to the reasons of use you have so well pointed out.

M.

As you can see I did say other than the first person to which I should have added "singular, as it is probably a variant of "amn't" still in use in Ireland and Scotland. The list that follows my comment only illustrates all the usages I've observed, to which no preference of mine was added.

M.

 

[bhaisahab]

As you can see I did say other than the first person to which I should have added "singular, as it is probably a variant of "amn't" still in use in Ireland and Scotland. The list that follows my comment only illustrates all the usages I've observed, to which no preference of mine was added.

M.

It's true that "I amn't" is widely used in Ireland for "I am not" (I'm not) but I don't think it is anything to do with "ain't".
"I amn't"
"I, you, we, they, it ain't".

 

[Mannysteps]

Check this link:

Ain't | Define Ain't at Dictionary.com

M.

 

[birdeen's call]

Check this link:

Ain't | Define Ain't at Dictionary.com

M.

The etymology of "ain't" is discussed here.

 

[SoothingDave]

I learned in school:

"Ain't" ain't a word. "Ain't" ain't in the dictionary.

 

[Mannysteps]

So:

Ain't just ain't. Ok.

I finally see the light.

Thanks to all who subscribed this thread,

M.

P.S.: is Ok Ok?

 

[SoothingDave]

"OK" is probably the most understood word in the world. I would avoid it in formal writing, but it is not shunned like "ain't."