Yous

/juːz/ pronoun

Definition

A plural form of 'you' used in some dialects (like Irish, Australian, or New York English) to address multiple people.

Etymology

Developed independently in various English dialects as a solution to the ambiguity of 'you' as both singular and plural. The form has roots in older English where 'ye' served this purpose.

Kelly Says

English lost the 'thou/thee' distinction for addressing people, so different dialects invented their own solutions—'yous,' 'y'all,' and 'you guys' all emerged separately to solve the same grammatical problem!

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