Why Do People Say 'Happy New Years' Instead of the Singular 'Happy New Year'?

There is a common refrain among language enthusiasts and grammarians: people should always use the singular form 'Happy New Year' rather than the plural 'Happy New Years.' However, this practice is more nuanced than a simple rule of grammar. Let us explore the reasons behind saying 'Happy New Years,' the distinctions between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the context in which these terms are used.

Understanding the Grammar Biases

The language of New Years is rich and multifaceted, often leading to confusion. When people say 'Happy New Years,' they are often referring to the specific days of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, which are significant in the celebration of the new year. In a grammatical context, these signify the possession of these days by the concept of the new year, hence the apostrophe. The phrase 'Happy New Year' is a standalone expression often used at the end of the year as a greeting or sentiment. However, the plural form 'New Years' is used to denote the events or the period surrounding the new year.

The Misuse and Misunderstanding of Possessive Forms

Another common error you might come across is the omission of the possessive 's in 'Happy New Years.' This is particularly confounded by the fact that 'New Year’s' is a compound term. It could be interpreted as the New Year belonging to the people (New Year’s) or even the New Year itself (Happy New Year's). It is correct to use 'New Year’s Eve' and 'New Year’s Day' to denote the possession of those days by the New Year. The absence of the apostrophe in 'Happy New Years' is a sign of misunderstanding or a stylistic choice in informal communication.

Language Drift and Common Usage

Language is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving, and certain conventions become widely accepted over time. In the context of New Years, people often say 'Happy New Years' due to the influence of American culture and media. There is a pervasive use of the term in movies, music, and other media, which contributes to its acceptance. The term 'Happy New Years' might also be extended to include the collective excitement or wishes for everyone, rather than individual years.

Decoding the Expression with Examples

The phrase 'Happy New Year' is a straightforward and widespread sentiment used to wish someone well for the upcoming year. The phrase 'Happy New Years' typically refers to the festive period leading up to and including the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations. Here are some examples to clarify the usage:

'Have a happy new year!' - This is a common phrase used as a New Year's greeting.

'What did you do on New Year's Day?' - This phrase refers to the specific day at the beginning of the celebration.

'Happy New Year's Eve' - This is specifically used to denote the Eve of the New Year.

'Have a happy New Year's!' - This shorter form is often used as a shorthand for the whole festive period, including New Year's Eve and Day.

American usage tends to capitalize 'New Year's' when referring to both 'New Year's Eve' and 'New Year's Day,' and using the possessive form is seen as grammatically correct. For example, if someone asks what you did on New Year's Eve, the proper response would include the apostrophe, as in 'I celebrated with a dinner party on New Year's Eve.'

Conclusion

The usage of 'Happy New Years' instead of the singular 'Happy New Year' stems from a complex mix of linguistic evolution, cultural influences, and the desire to encompass a broader range of New Year's celebrations. Understanding the distinctions between 'Happy New Year,' 'Happy New Years,' 'New Year’s Eve,' and 'New Year’s Day' helps in using these expressions grammatically correct and contextually appropriate. While the singular form may be more grammatically accurate, the plural form, when used correctly, can be a fitting expression for the collective festive period around the new year.