you-all

[ yoo-awl, yoo-awl, yawl ]

pronoun

, Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. you (used in direct address to two or more people):

   You-all come back now, hear?

   Tell your mother it's time you-all came to visit us.

you-all

pronoun

1. a US, esp Southern, word for you, used esp when addressing more than one person

Usage Note

See you, y'all.

Word History and Origins

Origin of you-all¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; you ( def ) + all ( def )

Example Sentences

"I wish t' hell, stranger, you-all hadn't edged off south," chattered Alfred.

From Project Gutenberg

But wildcats is purty heavy, an' you-all can hit 'em with a shotgun.

From Project Gutenberg

"I just stepped over to inquire what you-all'd like for breakfast this mornin'," he said with a grin.

From Project Gutenberg

Has you-all done cided to do wid out yo suppers dis yer night?

From Project Gutenberg

Nothin', only you're a white-livered stinker, an' I'm jest a-spoilin' foh a fight with you-all.

From Project Gutenberg