Y’all・o・gy / yôl・ǝjē / (n) the study of the second-person-plural pronoun, contraction of you-all; the study of Texas linguistics; a catchphrase for all things Texan.
The etymology of y’all is murky, but this much is clear—to the consternation of my fellow Texans—Texans didn’t invent the word. Y’all most likely migrated into Texas from Appalachia or Southern states like South Carolina. But this much is certain, y’all never found a better home than in the mouth of a Texan because y’all never sounded sweeter than when spoken with a Texas drawl or a Texas twang.
Like the Lone Star, longhorns, armadillos, bluebonnets, and jalapeños, y’all embodies the spirit of Texas. Y’allogy captures that spirit—its valor and swagger. John Steinbeck called Texas “a state of mind . . . a mystique closely approximating a religion.” Texas, he said, “is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans.” Y’allogy gives voice to that obsession, study, and passionate possession. It is a celebration of all things Texas—its past, people, and places—from the Alamo to Zavala. Y’allogy is a newsletter of, by, and for Texans—and lovers of Texas.
Y’allogy is published on the first, second, and third Thursday of every month. Special editions are published on March 2, March 6, and April 21—for obvious reasons (for those who know). All subscribers receive newsletters on serious historical questions, Texas braggadocio, book, movie, and television reviews, cowboy culture, poems and songs, Texas trivia, chili insights, and personal reflections.
Y’allogy, like the motto of Texas, is a friendly place, so articles are free. As a working writer, however, I hope some subscribers will support Y’allogy financially. I’ll give a whoop and holler to all who saddle up, ride for the brand, and support me in this endeavor.
So, if y’all are ready to start your Texas journey, subscribe today.
Free subscribers will receive a baker’s dozen of my favorite Texas quotations.
Paid subscribers will receive the same baker’s dozen of quotations, but also a chili recipe from the original Chili Queens of San Antonio.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter/X @derrickjeter where I post “This day in Texas history,” as well as other Texas related subjects. Y’all can always find out more at derrickjeter.com.
My website, Twitter/X feed, and Y’allogy are 1836% pure bred, open range Texas.
