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It doesn't.
I guess I just disagree.
Like most of English, it's very situational and not automatically rude. It's mostly rude when being declarative (with no authority) and/or dismissive.
“you two are so cute together”
Wow, rude!
What are you two doing here?
What are you doing here? Sounds just as rude.
I don't know the terminology, but I think it's because it's a direct indirect. It's like saying, "you there" instead of referring by name or using like, "excuse me sir/ma'am" or even skipping the direct call out altogether and saying, "could I get some help"
Basically it skips all formal addressing and is like using slang to people unfamiliar. If you are familiar then it's rude because you should know their names. I think the main time something like that is used is in an informal setting where nobody is actually familiar with each other, or in a scenario where immediate direction is required without prior familiarity.
Try, "the two of you" or "the both of you".
the both of you
Uh, no... just, "both of you".
I guess I was trying to frame my question as hearing someone say to a couple “you two” feels like they don’t view them as a couple but as 2 individuals or 2 people not as a couple. Just my feeling.
'You two are a great couple'
What now...
When or if you ever addressed your parents, did you call and say- “How are you two doing?” I would not.
I'd most likely say how are you guys doing, but I would have zero issue with you two. I find nothing offensive about it
"The both of them"
this post was submitted on 10 Nov 2024
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English usage and grammar
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