What is Hayna?
1.
The question "Hayna or no?" is derived ultimately from the valid question "Is it or is it not?" This phrase's devolution is illustrated in the flow chart below:
"Is it or is it not?" --> "Is it not or is it?"
(Still grammatically acceptable)
--> "Isn't it or no?"
(Note the introduction of the double negative)
--> "Ain't it or no?" --> "Ain'ta or no?"
(Note the reduction in phrase length)
--> "Hayna or no?"
(Note the utter disregard for even most basic grammatical integrity, with the addition of the imaginary 'h' and the further phrase length reduction)
The final form, "Hayna or no?" is typically used rhetorically and is most often found in north-eastern Pennsylvania, particularly in the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
"Da U is a great place ta goda school. Hayna or no?"
Literal Translation: "The University of Scranton is a fine institution at which to attend school. Is it, or is it not?"
Intended Translation: "The University of Scranton is a fine institution at which to attend school. Am I right?"
See
2.
The question "Hayna or no?" is derived ultimately from the valid question "Is it or is it not?" This phrase's devolution is illustrated in the flow chart below:
"Is it or is it not?" --> "Is it not or is it?"
(Still grammatically acceptable)
--> "Isn't it or no?"
(Note the introduction of the double negative)
--> "Ain't it or no?" --> "Ain'ta or no?"
(Note the reduction in phrase length)
--> "Hayna or no?"
(Note the utter disregard for even most basic grammatical integrity, with the addition of the imaginary 'h' and the further phrase length reduction)
The final form, "Hayna or no?" is typically used rhetorically and is most often found in north-eastern Pennsylvania, particularly in the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
"Da U is a great place ta goda school. Hayna or no?"
Literal Translation: "The University of Scranton is a fine institution at which to attend school. Is it, or is it not?"
Intended Translation: "The University of Scranton is a fine institution at which to attend school. Am I right?"
See
