2006-10-31 05:46:00 · 14 answers · asked by bouchie love 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It is generally considered derogatory and or accusatory to address people in that manner. It is a way a drill instructor would address raw recruits. It is often used in a patronizing way. I would avoid it unless the goal is to irritate or degrade the listeners.
2006-10-31 05:57:47 · answer #1 · answered by damdawg 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is negative. I actually told off a teacher in high school for sayign that exact phrase to me. SHe didnt' think I was dressed appropriately. I was even the principle said I was dressed within school dress code but this particular teacher said within my earshot, "those people think they can come school anyway they want". I was like what exactly do you mean by those people, students, drill team members, females or blacks? I got into so much trouble for talking back to the teacher but please that was an uncalled for statement from someone that was supposed to be a professional.
2006-10-31 13:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anjanette A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. It means "all of you people" or "everyone". It's just a way of trying to speak to everyone at once.
edit: Someone mentioned that it can be negative if you say something negative after it. That's true. If you were to say, "You people are stupid" then that's a negative thing.
2006-10-31 13:51:19 · answer #3 · answered by ☼Grace☼ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, like saying when people live in a trailer park "you people all seem to have the same problem"
When referring to a race "you people need to start being blah blah
It is negative as it groups all of one culture or situation into one thought.
2006-10-31 13:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by sideways 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always felt it had a negative connotation... Especially because in movies and such you always see someone blaming "you people"- referring to a different ethnic group. I just don't say it at all because you never know how the person you're speaking with will take it...
2006-10-31 13:57:22 · answer #5 · answered by annathespian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always think of it as being negative. Along with "Those people".
2006-10-31 13:55:27 · answer #6 · answered by Cori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you say it.
"You People" is a term that is often used in stereotyping.
Think about it: "You people always think you're all that"
On the other hand, it could be innocent: "What are you people doing today?"
2006-10-31 13:53:00 · answer #7 · answered by Mary C 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My mother uses this phrase all the time, and it always seems to alienate people.
It even makes me mad when she uses it because it sounds really insensitive to me.
2006-10-31 13:54:39 · answer #8 · answered by ♥♥♥ Mommy to Two ♥♥♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds very negative to me and quite vulgar. I never use it
2006-10-31 13:50:21 · answer #9 · answered by Chevalier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be if you state it along with something negative.
2006-10-31 13:49:24 · answer #10 · answered by EoC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋