Talk:ye

Status of the term
is ye archaic and obsolete or is it an actual word

It is obsolete, but nonetheless an actual word. Though it surprises me that it would be more common than can't.


 * I think it's because our word frequency lists are based on rather old texts (Project Gutenberg or similar). Equinox ◑ 16:23, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

Pronunciation of ety 2
e.g. "Ye olde shoppe". I've only ever heard people pronounce it as it looks: ye, not the. Chambers has this as an alternative too. Equinox ◑ 10:00, 17 September 2009 (UTC)
 * I agree. This almost needs splitting into two definitions: one for actual archaic usage, and one for modern faux archaic usage. The "yee" pronunciation only applies to the "modern" usage. 81.142.107.230 16:20, 2 August 2010 (UTC)
 * Added a note in the Pronunciation section. Equinox ◑ 22:54, 24 March 2012 (UTC)


 * ✅ Someone fixed it at some point. Equinox ◑ 12:21, 28 December 2015 (UTC)

Byspel
A passage that shows the best usage:


 * Genesis 19: 5-8 KJV: ... Where are the men which came in to thee (obj. sing.) this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, and said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you (obj pl), bring them out unto you (obj pl), and do ye (subj pl) to them as is good in your (poss pl) eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. --AnWulf ... Ferþu Hal! 19:21, 27 December 2011 (UTC)