I know Sgt. Warden (Burt Lancaster) said "ain't" a few times, as did Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) and maybe Lorene (Donna Reed), but no one seemed like it was the actor's character saying it, just a line of script the actor had to say. Maybe because the rest of their dialog seemed more cultured. Thoughts?
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There was a time when "ain't" was accepted as a contraction of "am not"; in time, "amn't" became "ain't". I think it was at least the Fifties before the word really was discouraged and began being considered a sign of ignorance. I'm not sure why there was a change in acceptance of this contraction, but they certainly drummed it into our heads.
Just try saying "amn't". No wonder it changed!
Words slip and slide (for example, spittin' image = spirit and image).
*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. ***
Right on... it's usage goes further back i think...
I sleep now.
Very true. And this term is also used in Mr. Turner, which is set in the Victorian era.
NOW TARZAN MAKE WAR!
Ain't is not acceptable today in proper usage. It makes the user sound crude, uneducated and ignorant.
shareI am formerly known as HillieBoliday.....Member since May 2006.
I don't like the word. I was raised and taught that it was bad grammar and bad taste to use it. But sometimes I slip and use it, if I'm irritated....and when my 10 year old grandson hears me.....he immediately corrects me...LOL...I love that!
"OOhhhooo....I'M GON' TELL MAMA!"
It seemed to me to be an obvious distinction between enlisted and commissioned, as you never hear an officer say it. Warden using the word told me point blank he'd never make a good officer. I haven't heard the word uttered in probably 40 years.
shareI was reminded of this watching Mud (2012) recently. Matthew McConaughey can sure say 'ain't' and be believable.
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