Originally from the Southern United States, I resist highfalutin attempts to claim ya'll is a contraction of you-all. This causes the misspelling of ya'll as y'all. Goodness Gracious! Please do not spell ya'll incorrectly.

Ya'll is, in fact, a contraction of ya all. Believing ya'll contains the word you is emphatically wrong. Ya and You have very different uses and meanings in smooth Southern speech -- which is full of subtle nuances meant to cause action through charm and enticement. Southern speech has two exacting purposes for the word you: a) formality, b) a clear warning signal.

Formally, Southerners use you as most foreigners are accustomed: "It is very nice to meet you. I hope you have a nice day." Certainly the listener is a foreigner, without community ties, and will not be invited to Sunday dinner.

If the speaker adds, "You need to avoid trouble. You take the county road," this is not friendly advice nor gentle suggestion. Do not be confused by charming, polite delivery. These are imperative commands.

When Southerners use you in an informal setting, especially with those of familiarity, pay careful attention. "You will go to the barn and milk the cow. You will be home at nine." These sentences indicate both imperative commands and forceful expression of irritation. With the sweet-talking tendencies of the Southerner, you may or may not be emphasized. If so, the voice volume increases almost imperceptibly. Regardless, know for certain, you is in Trouble!

Southern people sweet talk their way through life with a wonderful, melodic rhythm that "allows ya ta jus' set back 'n relax." We know a relaxed person is a happy person and, well, a happy person is more co-operative. Ya is part of relaxation: "It's great to meet ya. Can ya join us at mom's? If ya wanna better route, ..."

Understand that when Southerners use you-all, it is immediately followed by a phrase the listeners do not want to hear. "If you-all don't hush right now, you-all will milk the cows and be home by nine." This speech, probably delivered in lowered tones, leaves little room for doubt.

Southerners phrase the above in a relaxed and endearing way: "Won't ya'll help me with this little situation? Perhaps ya'll could milk the cows ... and then stay out past nine." Ya is relaxed. Ya'll is the epitome of charming relaxation: Ya with the l sound gently added in elongated, soft tones.

Southerners refrain somewhat from publicly sweet-talk'n everyone these days (sexual harassment). We still tend to be friendly and avoid over using you and you-all.

Since we have this all cleared up, ya'll have fun now! Ya hear?