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Why on earth is this flagged? This is such an important discussion. I'm also shocked by the folks here who feel they're too special to respect other people with language. I expected better of this community.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Let's go y'all (idiots)! I have never thought/heard of it that way? Could you provide some context?
I am unable to find something quotable to back me up. So, I can only offer my personal take. I lived in Austin from 2004 until 2014. Not a Texan by any stretch. When a member of a group says y'all to the group it is warm. When an outsider says y'all to a group it can be pejorative. Compare the following in both senses: "Let's get it together y'all!" In the first sense, it is a rallying cry. In the second sense, the s…
I experienced a less subtle version of that with my usage of "howdy".
Context: I wasn't born in the US, but was only 4 when we immigrated. For whatever reason young me gravitated toward "howdy" as my greeting. Probably just my young love of westerns; regardless, "howdy" has always been my informal "yo".
Anyway, my first few months in the South, local would ask me if I was making fun of them when I said "Howdy all" / "Howdy guys." Same way I've always said it. Now it was rare, but I would hear locals say "howdy" on occasion without ridicule. Something about my saying it caught a weary eye.
When I'm down South now, I just say "Hi". Weirdly, no one else has ever mentioned it.