an aggressively progressive set of new yorkers practically bullied me into using it a decade ago over concerns of sexism so at least when talking about people in those places in tech I can't say I share your experience. lots of coastal progressives say y'all nowadays. it's "inclusive"
I also hear people say "folks" when that is also borrowed from Southern US English
I say y'all because it has one less syllable than the other options while retaining clarity
Yeah in the PNW, I commonly hear the progressive/inclusive “y’all,” the AAVE “y’all,” and the southern transplant “y’all” - but personally I never use it unless doing it satirically.
I wasn’t raised to say it, and unfortunately I’ve got this lingering association with southern racist / ignorant hillbillies usage the term. “Y’all better get along now y’hear?” So it always feels weird coming out of my mouth.
I also hear people say "folks" when that is also borrowed from Southern US English
I say y'all because it has one less syllable than the other options while retaining clarity