Who AllIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "who all" broadens a question to mean "which people" or "everyone involved." It’s a hallmark of regional grammar that turns "who" into "who all" for inclusiveness. synonyms: which people, everybody, all the people Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[HOO AWL] /huː ɑːl/ Meaning & Usage- Inclusive Question (People) (pronoun phrase)
Ruby:
Mae:
variations: whoall, wh’all, who alls ★ Adding "all" after "who" broadens the question to ask about every person - a distinctive feature of Southern/Appalachian English. In quick speech it can sound like "wh’all" or "whoall." ★ OriginRooted in Scots-Irish and Midland English patterns brought to the American South. The "who all" construction appears in 19th-century dialect collections and is still a living feature of Southern/Appalachian grammar. NotesCommon throughout the South, South Midland, and Appalachia. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is easily understood. Still widely used today in casual conversation. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: often "wh’all" or "whoall" in relaxed speech. You’ll hear it in questions like "Who all’s goin’?" | ...
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