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If you speak a language that has a formal 'you', when do you use it? (lemmy.world)
submitted 10 months ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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And what language and region is it?

I've noticed my language teacher uses the informal you in one language and the formal one in the other.

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[–] 1 point 10 months ago

a lot of what might've been archaically formal and polite ways to say 'you' have become ironically rude and/or condescending.

You can do something similar in English through sarcastic statements with inappropriately polite forms of address. e.g. saying "Well, excuse me, sire!" to someone with a sassy tone of voice should be interpreted as "I'm offended" or "I can't believe you just did that, you asshole" or similar depending on context.

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