You'uns and Might Could
Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 3:55 pm
I just received this e-letter from Albert Skiles of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Dr. Beard,
I just read your hilariously "ackrut" compilation of Southern expressions [Glossary of Quaint Southernisms]. I grew up near San Antonio and moved to NW Arkansas when I was 22 in 1972. I can verify that there is a significant difference in accent and expressions, especially in rural areas. Here are a couple of words you'uns might could add to the list.
The further you go off of paved roads (in Madison and Newton counties) and even in some black-top territory, the more you will hear:
You'uns - "You and your kin" - I had a friend tell me just yesterday, "You'uns are welcome at our swimmin' hole anytime."
Might could - We all know you don't need both, but I hear this often:
"Well, Bob, you gonna go fishin tomorrow?"
"I'm really not sure, but I might could".
I think this term is so funny I have had it printed on a T-shirt.
Also, if you go 30 miles north and cross the Missouri line, you will be transposed big-time from the South to the Midwest in about one second. In a lot of ways you might as well be on another planet.
Thanks, and keep it up!
Albert Skiles
Dr. Beard,
I just read your hilariously "ackrut" compilation of Southern expressions [Glossary of Quaint Southernisms]. I grew up near San Antonio and moved to NW Arkansas when I was 22 in 1972. I can verify that there is a significant difference in accent and expressions, especially in rural areas. Here are a couple of words you'uns might could add to the list.
The further you go off of paved roads (in Madison and Newton counties) and even in some black-top territory, the more you will hear:
You'uns - "You and your kin" - I had a friend tell me just yesterday, "You'uns are welcome at our swimmin' hole anytime."
Might could - We all know you don't need both, but I hear this often:
"Well, Bob, you gonna go fishin tomorrow?"
"I'm really not sure, but I might could".
I think this term is so funny I have had it printed on a T-shirt.
Also, if you go 30 miles north and cross the Missouri line, you will be transposed big-time from the South to the Midwest in about one second. In a lot of ways you might as well be on another planet.
Thanks, and keep it up!
Albert Skiles