Did English ever have a formal version of "you"? (2011) (english.stackexchange.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the history of the English language, specifically the use of formal and informal versions of 'you'. The comments reveal that English did have a formal version of 'you', with 'thee' and 'thou' being used in the past. However, the article itself is not available, and the discussion is based on the comments. The use of 'thee' and 'thou' has largely faded, but remnants can still be found in certain dialects and regions.

Main themes

• English language history
• formal and informal 'you'
• dialects and regional variations
• linguistic evolution
• influence of other languages
• preservation of archaic language

What commenters say

• The use of 'thee' and 'thou' was originally an informal version of 'you', used with friends and family, but later became considered rude.
• English dialects are highly localized, and the use of 'thee' and 'thou' can still be found in certain regions, such as Northern England.
• The distinction between 'thou' and 'thee' is similar to the subject-object divide in other languages, such as the use of 'he' and 'him'.
• The use of 'ye' as a second-person pronoun is unrelated to the orthographic transformation of 'the' into 'ye'.
• The evolution of the English language has been influenced by various factors, including the Norman Conquest and the use of printing presses.
• The use of 'thou' and 'thee' has been preserved in certain contexts, such as in religious texts and in some dialects.
• The relationship between Old English and Modern English is complex, with some arguing that Old English is no longer mutually intelligible with Modern English.