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

AIN'T: What does it mean?

"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".

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:

Examples:

• You ain't going / You ain't goin' = Your are not going
• 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 (note this slang double negation)
• He ain't got a car = He doesn't have a car

Other slang contractions in English

See: https://polyglotclub.com/wiki/Language/English/Vocabulary/Slang-contractions

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