What exactly is "I'mma?" - English Language & Usage Stack …
Oct 10, 2013 · In 2010, linguist Neal Whitman wrote it's the Prime Time for "Imma" commenting on its use in pop lyrics. In fact, this Imma (also spelled I'ma, I'mma, Ima, and I'm a) is not the …
Does the “a” of “I'ma” extend to other pronouns?
Apr 17, 2020 · The phrase I'ma (which is also written Imma, I'mma, Ima, and I'm a), is a feature of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) that is used to mark the immediate future.*
american english - Why does "to dip" mean "to leave"? - English ...
Have you ever heard the (older) expressions, dip out for a bit, or dip in for a quick one? The idea being conveyed is the diversion is short, finite, noncommital, as in a short detour. BTW, in …
american english - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Sep 18, 2018 · Before you answer, please note: I'm only interested in when this usage was established in common (American) parlance. I know what the term means and I don't need it …
Why do people say "to be honest"?
Jul 8, 2014 · For quite some time, I've been hearing the phrase "to be honest" almost every day. I've heard friends say it, characters on TV shows, and even an NPR reporter said it in an …
Origin of the phrase "Now we're cooking with
The original is "Now You're Cooking With Gas", supposedly part of an ad campaign from the era when gas stoves first started replacing wood stoves for cooking in the home. The Wikitionary …
What is the history and geographic area of the word "finna?"
Jun 6, 2011 · In St. Louis, I learned of the word, " finna." I know it is slang/contraction for "fixing to." By asking dozens of people, I've learned that it is used by people of many different races …
What is the origin of the phrase "pinky promise"?
Sep 4, 2013 · A pinky promise (or "pinky swear") is a gesture in which two parties interlock little fingers in a symbolic gesture of agreement. What is the origin of this phrase? One possibility, …
Origin of "jack sh*t" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Oct 7, 2011 · I guess your question is more about the jack part. In English a jack is by-name for a common person. In British English, jack is a very old (13th century) term to designate the …
Where does the phrase "hold down the fort" come from?
Jun 20, 2015 · I agree the original should be 'hold the fort' and 'hold down…' looks like an aberration. Is it too much to speculate that 'hold down…' could have come from a land-lubbers …