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

"AIN'T" is very informal (some people would say incorrect). It is used in both Britain and North America. You will find it a lot in movies and songs. Therefore it's important to understand it. However we do not recommend you to use it. 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 ... = You are not...
• 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... = I am not
• 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