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 find it a lot in 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

Subsequently, "ain't " 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