I think the use of "which" as a demonstrative pronoun has been around
for many years and in different regions.  I know of no solid evidence
out there (though I imagine some linguist has studied the issue) on how
long it's been used this way, but I noticed its frequency in the late
1980s, even with professional writers.  It seems to me it is well on
it's way to evolving into a bona fide demonstrative pronoun.

Down here, we hear "them" used a demonstrative pronoun, as in "Them
shrimp sure are good" (or the more emphatic "Them there shrimp sure are
good').

Larry Beason

>>> [log in to unmask] 09/28/04 8:39 AM >>>
I have noticed "which" used as a sort of demonstrative pronoun quite
frequently in the New York Times, as in today's "Which is one reason
Gov. Tom Vilsack
is optimistic about John Kerry's chances . . . ."   Does anyone know how
long
this usage has been around?

Ed Schuster

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