How long has ain been in the dictionary

Need even more definitions? Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms The same, but different. Merriam-Webster's Words of the Week - Nov. Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs.

What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'? How 'literally' can mean "figuratively". Literally How to use a word that literally drives some pe Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice? The awkward case of 'his or her'. Take the quiz. Learn more. Why is "ain't" not listed in dictionaries? Ask Question. Asked 11 years, 2 months ago. Active 7 years, 11 months ago. Viewed 35k times. Improve this question.

You are linking to Wiktionary, not Wikipedia, and I think that article is relatively helpful I don't understand this question. Which dictionary, exactly, doesn't define "ain't"? I'm sorry I probably misspelled ain't as aint as I was searching at dict. More to the point: why is "gullible" not listed in dictionaries? Show 3 more comments.

Active Oldest Votes. In fiction ain't is used for purposes of characterization; in familiar correspondence it tends to be the mark of a warm personal friendship. Our evidence shows British use to be much the same as American.

Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions : ain't definition in. So, clearly, non-natives and natives too can look up this word. Improve this answer. That's very thorough. Add a comment. The Oxford English Dictionary says the following: Negative forms colloquial and vulgar, found in dramatists and novels since 17th c. I've tried to teach lots of folks; an' sum learns quick, an' some don't never learn; it's jest 's 't strikes 'em. But ef Jos keeps on, airnin' ez much ez he hez so fur, he's goin' ter pay the Injun part on 't, when he cums.

It's easy for a prisoner t' slip a note to a friend that happens t' be mountin' guard. New Word List Word List. Save This Word! Nonstandard except in some dialects. We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. When did "ain't" become slang? Ask Question. Asked 7 years, 2 months ago. Active 7 years, 1 month ago.

Viewed 26k times. In Anthony Trollope's The Way We Live Now , there are several places where "ain't" is used instead of "am not", such as: "I ain't afraid of him, if you mean that," continued Lord Nidderdale.

Improve this question. Erik Kowal Hanos Cluse Hanos Cluse 1 1 gold badge 1 1 silver badge 3 3 bronze badges. There is a comprehensive Wiki article on aint. It confirms my suspicion about Dickens' use.