youse

Youse is a nonstandard or dialectal second-person pronoun used to address two or more people. In standard English, the word you serves for both singular and plural reference; youse is typically used as a plural form, often corresponding to you all, you guys, or y’all in other varieties. The spelling of the form varies by dialect, with common variants including yous, youze, youze, and yiz, among others.

Geographic distribution and origins are debated. The form is most closely associated with Hiberno-English (Irish English), where it has been part of everyday speech in many regions for generations. It has also appeared in some urban varieties of North American English and in other English-speaking communities, where it can signal regional or ethnic identity. The etymology is generally traced to the combination of you with a pluralizing suffix, though the precise historical pathway is not settled.

Usage and grammar. Yous functions primarily as a plural second-person pronoun, as in Are youse coming to the pub? or Yous guys are late. In some speakers and contexts, youse may be used as a generic or universal you, though such usage is more controversial and often considered nonstandard in formal contexts. Some speakers further mix pronouns with phrases like yous guys or youse all for emphasis or clarity.

Sociolinguistic notes. In many dialect communities, youse marks regional or social identity and can convey familiarity or informality. In standard or formal contexts, its use is typically avoided, while in regional speech it may be a natural and accepted feature.