What exactly is "I'mma?" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
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 contraction …
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 modern slang …
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 interview. …
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 defined, nor do I …
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 and cultural …
What is the origin of the phrase, "Put two and two together?"
Apr 3, 2017 · A query by "put two and two together" on the COHA (1810s-2000s) shows that the phrase appeared in sentences without a longer form since 1848 at least (1848 is the year of the first result). …
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, and probably the
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 entry cooking …
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 variation on …