Southern slang that should be approved as AP style
If the sudden switch to ‘%’ instead of ‘percent’ has rocked you down to your giblets, this post is for you—even for those residing up yonder.
Y’all better hold on to yer britches.
The Associated Press recently announced a slew of new changes, so now seems like an opportune time to offer a few more to our genteel Grammar Gatekeeper.
Why not? It’s worth a shot, and I do declare that Southern words and phrases should move to the front of the approval line—if for no other reason than that they are fun to say and hear.
Grab a basket of hush puppies, refresh your sweet tea or other libation that’s been soaked in a bourbon barrel, and let’s review the merits of fine Southern expressions that deserve validation.
[Editor’s note: Reading the following examples aloud in a drawl thick as molasses in January is not compulsory, but it dad-gum oughta be.]
I’s—It’s a more efficient version of “I was.”
We’ve embraced similar contractions, such as “I’d,” so why not?
“I’s gonna head into town, but my dang tractor broke.”
Yer—Saying “you are” sounds weird and takes way too much time to annunciate. Writing “you’re” looks funny. “Yer” sounds right, looks right, and doesn’t it just feel right?
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
