If "ain't" ain't a word, why did i find it in the dictionary?

Question

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=aint
and why did spell check correct it just now.

1. Aint 85 up, 9 down

Chiefly American Colloquial Contraction

A single word that is equivalent to other words such as:
1) Am not
2) Are not
3) Is not

==> Most likely originated in the Southern States of America as it flows easily with their accent but has now been used in many places around the world.

"I aint going."
"We aint going."
"He aint going."

Answer 1

You found your own answer - it says "colloquial", which means that it is accepted into the vernacular, but not as proper usage.

Furthermore, the Urban Dictionary, can hardly be named as a source for proper English. Give me a break.

Answer 2

Even though this question seems rhetorical, I'm going to answer it anyway. It wasn't put in the dictionary until a few years ago, when they added it because it had become a very commonly used word. People used to say ain't ain't in the dictionary, to prove it was not a word and try to correct other people's english or as a joke...but now that point is moot since it is in the dictionary....lol.

Answer 3

Usually the dictionary will publish colloquially used terms, that is terms in everyday language. The dictionary should be a vast listing of all English used words, not just a select listing.

Answer 4

Ain't IS a word. Used to be used in England mucho years ago by the upper class, nobility and such. It eventually fell out of fashion and is mainly used by the uneducated or by the erudite to make a point.

Answer 5

its slang and its nonstandard thats why its in the dictionary. it has a long history of controversy. it first appeared in 1778 evolving from an earlier an't. which arose almost a century earlier as a contraction of are not and am not. including don't and won't. Its just a contraction. thats why its in the dictionary. but its not a word because it has no meaning.

Answer 6

Many dictionarys include slang words, just so people can still look them up. But you will find, that next to the definition is says slang in brackets. "ain't" is just slang, but it sounds horrible so why use it anyway?

Answer 7

Because the dictionary ALSO lists colloquialisms.


BTW, all, no "ain't" STILL isn't a word, let alone a coherent conjunction.

Answer 8

Who said it ain't a word?

Answer 9

I ain't going to answer this question truthfully. y'know homie :).


Anyways, I have no idea why. Maybe it's just a slang word who is trying to gain fame by going into dictionaries.

;)

Answer 10

I've got my eye on you boy - and it ain't gonna be pretty when I catch you!