Language/English/Vocabulary/Meaning-of-ain't

"AIN'T" is very informal (some people would say incorrect). It is used a lot both in UK and the US; you will hear it in many movies and songs. Therefore it's important to understand its use.

However it should never be used in formal or written contexts.

Meanings

Originally it is a contraction of "are" and "not" - so "ain't" means "are not".

Examples:

• You ain't going / You ain't goin' = Your are not going

It generally replaces the use of the verb "to be" in the present and the negative, as well as the verb "to have" in certain cases:

• I ain't French = I am not French
• You ain't done it = You have not done it
• I ain't done nothing = I haven't done anything
• He ain't got a car = He doesn't have a car