African American English

noun

variants or less commonly African American Language
: a variety of American English spoken chiefly by African Americans
Like all other dialects of English, with their own histories of how they came to be, African American English (AAE) is a systematic and complete language that operates under a set of rules …Renée Blake and Kimberley Baxter
abbreviation AAE, AAL

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African American English was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near African American English

Cite this Entry

“African American English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African%20American%20English. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

African American English

noun
: a variety of English spoken chiefly by African Americans
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