Yes, “anyways” is a word that is commonly used in informal English, particularly in American English. However, it is considered non-standard and is not accepted in formal writing or speech. The preferred standard form is “anyway” without the “s” at the end.
The origins of the word “anyway” can be traced back to the Old English word “anweg” which meant “at any rate” or “in any case.” Over time, the word evolved and became more commonly used in modern English.
The addition of the “s” to “anyway” to form “anyways” is a colloquialism, which means it is a form of language used in informal or conversational settings. In spoken English, it is common to hear people say “anyways” instead of “anyway.” However, in written English, it is still generally considered non-standard.
Some people may argue that “anyways” is not a real word, but it is important to note that language is constantly evolving and changing. New words are added to dictionaries every year, and old words can take on new meanings or be used in new ways. Just because “anyways” is not accepted in formal writing or speech does not mean that it is not a valid word in some contexts.
In summary, “anyways” is a word that is commonly used in informal English, particularly in spoken American English. While it is not considered standard or accepted in formal writing or speech, it is still a valid word that has evolved over time.
