0
Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
The word "anyways"
Occasionally I am encountering people who use the word "anyways." It jars every time I hear it. Is it even a word in the English language? Does it have any legitimate uses? Where is the thing coming from? I don't know how it is any improvement upon or an alternative to "anyway."
I'll appreciate feedback and references about this.
PSJ
I'll appreciate feedback and references about this.
PSJ
Top answer
Hi PSJ, I have encountered these people too. I don't know their origin. The word "anyways" is NON-EXISTANT in mainstream English.
- Hi PSJ, I have encountered these people too.
- I don't know their origin.
- The word "anyways" is NON-EXISTANT in mainstream English.
- I think what they mean to say is "ANYWAY", but I can't be sure about this.
- Perhaps these people are using a strange dialect (dialect; noun - a form of a language that people speak in a particular part of a country) of English, but again I can't be sure.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
26 Answers
0
Hi PSJ,
I have encountered these people too. I don't know their origin.
The word "anyways" is NON-EXISTANT in mainstream English. I think what they mean to say is "ANYWAY", but I can't be sure about this.
Perhaps these people are using a strange dialect (dialect; noun - a form of a language that people speak in a particular part of a country) of English, but again I can't be sure.
I have encountered these people too. I don't know their origin.
The word "anyways" is NON-EXISTANT in mainstream English. I think what they mean to say is "ANYWAY", but I can't be sure about this.
Perhaps these people are using a strange dialect (dialect; noun - a form of a language that people speak in a particular part of a country) of English, but again I can't be sure.
00
"Anyways" is recognized as colloquial, especially in the United States.
However, you should never use it in print, and if you see it in print, smile to yourself and say "Tsk tsk!"
However, you should never use it in print, and if you see it in print, smile to yourself and say "Tsk tsk!"
00
I would suggest that if you are endeavouring to improve your English you should avoid its use altogether, since it is not recognised as being English anywhere - with the exception of the U.S. where it is only recognised as being acceptable colloquially.
00
Anyways...this site provides an interesting explanation as to where this word may have come from.
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20001030
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20001030
00
I live in England and have also heard it and may have used it a few times. I think it may be a shortening of 'anyways up' which I believe (but am not sure) is a northern English dialect phrase.
The only context I have heard or used it in is a little difficult to explain. It has been used in a rather humorous way, to signify a change of topic, or a return to a topic, after a lengthy or
The only context I have heard or used it in is a little difficult to explain. It has been used in a rather humorous way, to signify a change of topic, or a return to a topic, after a lengthy or
00
It is possible the the colloquialism "anyways" came from the English phrase "anywise/any wise" which means "in any manner/way." However, anyways is not acceptable in print, but is becoming more and more prevalent in spoken English. It has also been accepted as a colloquialism since the 19th century.
00
0
0 i use this word alot i think it sounds cool and it is good for us to add words to our language. words have been changed before or we would be using words like tho and art. it might be good to add new words! 05 0 010id 1
00
The poster is not adding a new word to OUR language.
HE OR SHE is dredging up a word no longer in use like those used in the poster's own example;"tho" and "art".
<<snarky bit about "a lot" actually being two words removed>>
HE OR SHE is dredging up a word no longer in use like those used in the poster's own example;"tho" and "art".
<<snarky bit about "a lot" actually being two words removed>>
Anonymous
i use this word alot i think it sounds cool and it is good for us to add words to our language. words have bee
0
Related Questions