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Fri 13 Feb, 2004 07:54 pm
I have an Aunt who, in her earlier life, was an English teacher. For the past 10 plus years shes has started using a slang after asking a question: 'What Say You?". This really makes my skin crawl when she makes such a statement. Where, How, When did this (to me) obnoxious, improper gramar, come from. Is it a form of ibonix, which the city of Oakland, Calif. try to institute into their school system several years ago?
Please help. This form of question sounds so childish that I just can not believe that a woman in her 60s., who taught english in one of the best school systems in Pennsylvania, after asking a question says........
'What Say You'. eeeeeeggggghhhhhhhhhhhh gads.
Signed
Lew
First off, settle down.
Most people do this odd thing as they get older: they become senile. She's just letting go and doing her own thing after a lifetime of following social conventions. Let her be. Let her have fun.
By the way, it's spelled ebonics.
"Grammar" is spelled with two m's.
"What say you?" comes from Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. I believe Act I, Scene 2.
It's also spelled grammar, which is only worth mentioning to those who criticize the grammer of others, especially when it is not at fault.
Whew, I didn't want to sound like an ass by pointing that out as well.
My own spelling is horrible, Individual. That's why I seldom point out the errors of others.
Theres is saying you can never teach a new trick to an old dog.
I guess it really depend where and whom you associated with. unfortunately, I don't think she will ever change and that you have to live with it.
Also, isn't it if we can't lick em, join em.
its just like the word " wassup", where and how this word originated?
What?
Well, actually 'What say you?' is a perfectly grammatical and proper question, and about 400 years ago would have been the usual way of phrasing this. It is an archaism that is now being repopularized. There are still archaic forms like this in the British parliament and law. Have you asked your aunt why she has chosen to use it suddenly?
(1)There is absolutely nothing ungrammatical about "What say you?" It may not be as popular as "What d'ya say?" but it's certainly classier.
(2) Start using spell-check, lew, and you'll avoid misspellings of words like "grammar" and "Ebonics" (cap 'E', btw.) And how did you come to connect an expression dating back to Elizabethan times with Ebonics anyway?
(3) This topic belongs in the English forum, not in Reference.
Andrew and Noddy said it! and it is certainly lovely, to me. Guess that's cause I taught grimer...er, make that grammar.
It certainly does beat the hell out of:
"Gentlemen, start "yer" engines" Guess who said that?
Individual: What say ewe?
Sorry, skipped out for a while. What was the question?
Bill O'Reilly says it all the time and he is in the
"No Spin Zone"
lol its ok. just correct her whenever she says that. she will get so annoyed that she will never do it again. or start doing it yourself to emphasize how anoyying it is!
What's to correct? No grammatical mistake has been made.
I don't think Califlew has ever noticed our replies. He hasn't posted since. Maybe we put him off. What say you??
Perhaps Califlew found that there are more things on heaven and earth than are dreampt of his philosophy?
Noddy, Maybe the aunt secretly wants some Shakespeare quoted back to her? I went searching in Twelfth Night and saw several pithy expressions that might work for an uncommon variety of situations.
When his aunt uses her slightly odd question, Califlew could use almost any of this dialog. I hope Califlew returns.
Quote:
Twelfth Night, Act IV.
SCENE II. OLIVIA's house.
......
MALVOLIO
Fool, fool, fool, I say! (Only say this under your breath.)
Clown
Alas, sir, be patient. What say you sir? I am shent for speaking to you.
MALVOLIO
Good fool, help me to some light and some paper: I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria. <Califlew may substitute California>
Clown
Well-a-day that you were, sir
MALVOLIO
By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper and light; and convey what I will set down to my lady: it shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did.
Clown
I will help you to't. But tell me true, are you not mad indeed? or do you but counterfeit?
MALVOLIO
Believe me, I am not; I tell thee true.
Clown
Nay, I'll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains. I will fetch you light and paper and ink.
MALVOLIO
Fool, I'll requite it in the highest degree: I prithee, be gone.
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