In which settings or places is it OK 2 say or write "ain't"?

Question

"Ain't" seems perhaps more commonplace in speech in 2007 then is "ginormous." But are there any settings where "ain't" still sounds like an vulgarity? In other words, could you still get in trouble or at least be frowned upon if you use "ain't" in speech? Can you say "ain't" in debates, speeches, or presentations? & I dunno if this is used often, but if "ain't" is typed or written, is that unacceptable in some practices? (e.g. thesis statements, reports, columns)

Well, I already know that "ain't" is regularly used in music; that word's been in pop music 4 decades since "Ain't Misbehavin'." In fact, the whole music industry is moot 2 me 'cause that caters 2 the more marketable audience of young people. I'm only asking if it's still okay 2 say or write "ain't" in a informal or semi-formal field.

Answer 1

Ain't 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. In fact, ain't arose at the tail end of an era that saw the introduction of a number of our most common contractions, including don't and won't. But while don't and won't eventually became accepted at all levels of speech and writing, ain't was to receive a barrage of criticism in the 19th century for having no set sequence of words from which it can be contracted and for being a "vulgarism," that is, a term used by the lower classes, although an't at least had been originally used by the upper classes as well. At the same time ain't's uses were multiplying to include has not, have not, and is not, by influence of forms like ha'n't and i'n't. It may be that these extended uses helped fuel the negative reaction. Whatever the case, criticism of ain't by usage commentators and teachers has not subsided, and the use of ain't is often regarded as a sign of ignorance.·But despite all the attempts to ban it, ain't continues to enjoy extensive use in speech. Even educated and upper-class speakers see no substitute in folksy expressions such as Say it ain't so and You ain't seen nothin' yet.·The stigmatization of ain't leaves us with no happy alternative for use in first-person questions. The widely used aren't I? though illogical, was found acceptable for use in speech by a majority of the Usage Panel in an earlier survey, but in writing there is no acceptable substitute for the stilted am I not?
(all the above is from Wikipedia Dict.)
But I would like to add that, if you are quoting from a popular actor or speaker whose material has been generally accepted, and who is regarded as a famous writer/speaker, that it would be appropriate to quote him using his exact words. I am thinking primarily of Mark Twain and Will Rogers.

Answer 2

Note: To Terry C--The Miriam-Webster Dictionary says: (in other words--it IS a word)

Main Entry: ain't
Pronunciation: \ˈay-ānt\
Etymology: contraction of are not
Date: 1749
1 : am not : are not : is not
2 : have not : has not
3 : do not : does not : did not


It is considered to be grammatically incorrect to use it in formal debates, speeches, and even papers you write and hand in to a teacher.

Answer 3

Well, ain't is accepted in rap grammar wherein we need to fit in the syllables and make rhymes. Many rap songs have incorrect grammar yet they are accepted (e.g. 'cause you was untrue' Irreplaceable) but when it comes to formal written works, ain't isn't accepted as a formal gramartically correct words unless they are cited as an excerpt from these songs.

Answer 4

You should never use it in formal speech or written presentations. The exception is in dialogue or a stylistically rendered piece (that is, if the entire piece is purposefully written in that manner of speech for effect).

Answer 5

It AIN'T acceptable anywhere written or spoken because it AIN'T a word...

Answer 6

It is probably acceptable in Rock or Rap lyrics; but elsewhere the use of that one word would deny you the respect you might otherwise deserve.

Answer 7

"Ain't" is never acceptable, in any format. It is grammatically incorrect.

Edit: I agree with picador above.