1 definition by Lapin Blanc
Literally translated from "ebony" and "phonics", Ebonics is NOT slang, it is NOT an immediate label that categorizes a person's intelligence simply because they speak it, Ebonics is a Regional Vernacular that functions as a Middle to Older compostion of the English language; adding extra negatives, fluctuating tenses and simplifying past/present/future tenses. The Southern American Vernacular is the largest Accent Group in the United States and varies depending upon which regional dialect is in question. The term "Ebonics" has been misconstrued by media into having this reputation of being some "jungle-bunny language" that only non-intellectuals with violent tendencies are prone to use, when in actuality AAE (African American English) is nothing more than a sociocultural form of English that varies between cultures and regions wherein the Southern American English dialects are found.
Metathesised Form Examples: Graps (Grasp), Aks (Ask) / etc.
Dropping Copulas (most commonly recognized and associated with Ebonics): Who you? / Where you at? / Who he be? / Where he been? / You crazy! / Where you put it at? / She my sister. / etc.
Altered Syntax: Why they ain't growin'? / Who the hell she think she is? / Who you think you be? / etc.
Dropping Copulas (most commonly recognized and associated with Ebonics): Who you? / Where you at? / Who he be? / Where he been? / You crazy! / Where you put it at? / She my sister. / etc.
Altered Syntax: Why they ain't growin'? / Who the hell she think she is? / Who you think you be? / etc.
by Lapin Blanc October 18, 2008