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as to the argument of "it's in the dictionary, so it's a word"

d'oh (of homer simpson fame) is in the dictionary. i rest my case.

Well I suppose it's only natural we use words in rhythm with our heartbeat (iambic pentameter).
But still, slang is sometimes a bit over the top; there are enough words in the English language for people to talk without words like 'ain't', and without adding 'like' at the end of nearly every sentence...

Ain't, to my mind, is a signature word in a dialect of english that makes it impossible for the speaker to not sound like an idiot.
Whether or not the word is a "real" english word, to me is a secondary concern. Whenever I hear ain't used it sounds like "ain't you jus gotta car worsh didn'tcha?" I refuse to sound or appear that stupid.

I like this saying. "Ain't ain't a word 'cause Ain't, ain't in the dictionary." The response, "If ain't ain't in the dictionary, then the dictionary ain't right." I always find that funny. But I try to stay away from it and I often catch myself correcting my mother because she uses it. I'll hear her say, "I ain't got none."

Sometimes, I'll laugh, other times, I laugh, then correct her about it, jokingly of course, but still. "I ain't got none." Double negative, meaning you do have something! Funny how life works.

This is where people will differ. I use it via conversations, but I never use it in writing. I think you can get away with it in a conversation, but it shouldn't be used when you're writing.

In a conversation it is a word, but for writing, it isn't.

But then again, that's just my opinion. sweatdrop

Ain't is definitlely (Hah! You taught me how to spell that, Shinobi!) an O.K. word to use, as far as I'm cocnerned. Even if it is "grammatically incorrect" I still like to use it. It's fun. Saying "ain't" is all the fun of being vulgar, without the actual vulgarity. That may seem pointless but it really makes sense to me.

Although I wouldn't suggest using the word in important situations, like reports, writing, or business conversations.

Well, it may be in the dictionary but it certainly is not a word at all, but a commonly used thrashing of the English language. The only reason *'normal' people these days don't mind it, is because it has frequently been used without anyone contradicting it. You can find it in the dictionary, but you cn also find "bootylicious" in it as well. I am completely serious. The word made up in a once popular song by whats-her-name is in the dictionary. Its unbelievable how the English language has over years and years become a mess of unintelligable expression of the human mind.
Ain't, as you said, is a term used as a contraction for, has not, have not, is not, are not... I say that if it stands as more than one contraction of above said words, it is not a word at all.

*normal being those people who do not concern themselves with proper English.*