Did English Ever Have a ‘You’ Plural?

You is plural. Thou is singular. This is a common understanding among English speakers. However, a brief dive into the linguistic history of English reveals an interesting twist on this grammatical distinction. Specifically, the plural 'you' vs. the single 'thou' raises intriguing questions about the evolution of English language forms.

The Duality of 'You' and 'Thou'

Let’s explore the historical context behind this dual usage. While it may seem straightforward today, the correct use of 'thou' and 'you' was once more complex. Thou was used for the second-person singular, while you included both singular and plural forms.

The Verbal Agreement in 'Thou'

The second-person singular pronoun 'thou' has a unique verb suffix, -st. This makes it distinct from the plural 'you'. In fact, this construction is cognate to its German counterpart, 'du', as seen in the Rammstein song "Du hast". The song's repetition of the phrase 'Du du hast du hast' highlights the consistent grammatical structure. Translating it to a hypothetical English sentence would yield something like:

Thou thou hast thou hast men

Thou thou hast thou hast men

Thou thou hast thou hast men

Thou thou hast thou hast me

Even more interesting is the verse ending with a question of eternal commitment:

Thou hast me asked thou hast me askedn
Thou hast me asked and I have nothing said

Thus, the original English would have been:

Thou thou hast thou hast men
Thou thou hast thou hast men
Thou thou hast thou hast men
Thou thou hast thou hast me
Thou thou hast thou hast men
Thou hast me
Thou hast me asked thou hast me askedn

The Shift to Modern Grammar

With the rise of modern English, the formality and nuance of 'thou' and 'ye' (another form of 'you') diminished. Today, 'you' is used universally as a singular and plural form. This transition was not without controversy.

The Linguistic Evolution and Controversy

Historically, there were strict rules regarding the use of 'thou' and 'you'. The correct form to use depended on the social status of the individuals involved. For example, "Thou thou hast thou hast me" would be appropriate in addressing a superior, while "Joe thou art always so helpful" would be grammatically correct for a singular individual.

However, the complexity of these rules created confusion. People began using 'you' for everyone, as it was seen as a safer and more universally acceptable form. Even babies are addressed with 'you' today, reflecting the shift in usage.

Grammarians and scholars were left astonished. The fear of losing singular and plural forms fueled a heated debate. Prominent grammarians like Robert Lowth and Lindley Murray led the charge in advocating for the old forms, but the movement faltered around 1800 when the grammarians ultimately gave up. The fight for preserving the traditional forms of 'thou' and 'ye' ultimately led to their replacement by the modern 'you'.

It's important to note that languages evolve with the people who use them, not with academic rules or strict prescriptions. Grammar and language are far more dynamic and adaptable than the rigid principles of academic linguists might suggest.

A Modern Reminder: The Stupid Chart

Even today, remnants of the debate remain in a "stupid chart" that people sometimes reference. This chart serves as a reminder of the linguistic evolution and the linguistic debates that shaped modern English.

In conclusion, while 'thou' and 'you' once had clear distinctions, the shift to the modern 'you' form reflects the practical needs and evolving social norms of English speakers. This transition highlights the ongoing and dynamic nature of language development.