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Let's begin with a sentence such as:

We can't do this any more.

This is the most standard form and grammatically perfect. But I have also seen or heard many times in some informal occasions (maybe that is a fad), esp. in pop lyrics, some sentences like this one

We can't do this no more

or even

Ain't got no money in my pocket

I'm most aware that such a "fad" is grammatically incorrect and definitely unacceptable in formal occasions. But, what about using it in some informal occasions like everyday conversations? Would that be acceptable? and, since I'm not a native speaker, I want to ask: would such usage (in informal occasions of course) make me appear less "alien" to those native speakers? Or,is it that I better not use it in any case? Thanks for any advice.

Vim
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    In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan used "You ain't seen nothin' yet" so often—both on the campaign trail and as President—that it turned into a sort of personal catch-phrase. People who liked him thought it was disarmingly droll and informally charming. – Sven Yargs Jan 23 '15 at 05:48
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    And then there were the rest of us... – Erik Kowal Jan 23 '15 at 05:49
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    I could never make out whether it was a promise or a threat. – Sven Yargs Jan 23 '15 at 05:51
  • Have you checked previous posts here and other online resources for the "double negative?" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_negative – Kris Jan 23 '15 at 05:53
  • As for "Is such usage of negation acceptable in everyday conversation?" it's a matter of opinion and so maybe OT here. – Kris Jan 23 '15 at 05:54
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    My advice would be not to try and use vernacular that you aren't completely familiar with. For example using ain't got and can't do this no more may come off as condescending or offensive in the wrong company. (People may think, "Is he making fun of me?") Don't try to be someone you're not. – Jim Jan 23 '15 at 05:57
  • Thanks for the advice you provided. Well maybe I better just follow the standard. And, from the wiki link, such double negative usage seems much more common than I thought, quite interesting! – Vim Jan 23 '15 at 06:11

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