Whats the meaning of the word "ain't"?

[Maori]

Hi guys I just want to know whats the meaning of "ain't"

How to use it
When to use it
And what is that for???

thanks a lot!!
see ya!

[Natasha81]

Hi Maori,

"Ain't" is the wrong form of aren't/isn't/don't/doesn't, normally used by poorly educated people with very little, if any,grammar knowledge:):) So, you should not really use it at all:):)But it does not hurt to know what it is:):)

Cheers

[Rosario]

Hello Natasha,

Why that word "ain't " always we found at music's lyrics, for instance song "sometimes love just ain't enough" etc.

Thanks.

[Rosario]

Hello Natasha,

If so, why some artist use it at music's lyrics, for instance song "sometimes love just ain't enough" etc.

Thanks.

[Kitosdad]

[Natasha81]

Hi Rosario!!!

I believe, they use it, because the quality of their art is not the highest:):) You can hear it a lot, but it does not make it right. When you talk to educated people, you will never hear them say it.:):):) At the same time, if you start using it when speaking to native speakers, they may ask you where you've learnt your English:):)-From people who did not go to school??:):) So, be careful, if you want to produce a favourable impression on your interlocutors.:)

[Matthieuxmillion]

Hello, Rosario and Kitos,

Well, Natasha is correct in this case, 110%. "Normally" is the key word here when it comes to exceptions. I have relatives down in Texas and the southern part of the U.S., where I lived for some time, and where it's very common for normal and even quite intelligent people to use "ain't." But please note that this is natural ONLY FOR THEM and if you're learning English as a second language, you'd better not use this word, or you will sound less-than-intelligent.

If you do decide to use "ain't," please make sure also to perfect your southern accent, because without it, native speakers will question your intelligence (they might think you learned English from watching rap music videos).

Just because something is popular doesn't make it right. It's like the situation with the usage of "If I was you" instead of "If I were you." Say the former and you'll sound like many people, but say the latter and you'll go a step further in showing yourself as someone of intelligence and learning.

This is one of the many finer points of English that should never be ignored.

~Matthieux

[Rosario]

Hello,

Thanks for Kitosdad, Natasha and Matthieux.

I find you people so nice.

Regards,

[Maori]

Hi! to everyone thanks for the answer!!

have a nice day! God bless you!!

[Alan]

Hi Rosario,

It's interesting to note that in 18th century England it was very fashionable to use 'ain't'. Fashions come around and go around.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Rosario]

Hi Alan,

I agree with you.

I just understand clearly that word "ain't' used by poorly educated people with very little knowledge.

Regards