It’s important to understand that most Oklahomans say “ya’ll.” I like hearing it. If you live here, you will hear “ya’ll” often. You need to understand that there will come a time when you are faced with the decision…will “ya’ll” say it as well?
My wife likes to say “ya’ll” now. She has pointed out that it’s an economy of words; “would you all like to go shopping?”, “would ya’ll like to go shopping?”. I can see her reasoning. I just don’t think I will ever say it myself. People will realize I haven’t lived here long enough to have the right to say it and start laughing at me. “Oh, I like that you’re trying to say “ya’ll” and fit in here. That’s so cute”.
Aside from my insecurities, which are real, I like hearing the sound of the “ya’ll”. You feel like you’re part of a family. It’s like the word breaks down barriers. I don’t think Oklahomans see it this way. They just say “ya’ll”
When you type “ya’ll” into Websters, you get this: “the word you’ve entered isn’t in the dictionary. Click on a spelling suggestion below or try again using the search bar above”.
Well, screw you, Websters. I think “ya’ll” should be in your damn dictionary. The definition would read like this: “ya’ll is the combination of you and all together. Ex: “Are ya’ll fixin’ to have a BBQ?” Yea, I slid “fixin'” in there. An economy as well, leaving the “g” off.
Think it through before moving to Oklahoma on how you will land with “ya’ll.” It’s not a deal breaker, but “ya’ll” having a plan will be helpful.
LA2OKC 