Afterwhile

In Appalachian speech, "afterwhile" means "later" or "eventually" - a vague but friendly way to say something will happen, just not right now.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Time #Southern

synonyms: later, eventually

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Afterwhile' is still common. When I come down off the mountain to go to town, I'll overhear this one.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Afterwhile' is still common. When I come down off the mountain to go to town, I'll overhear this one.

Pronunciation

[af-tur-wy-ul]
/ˈæf.tɚ.wɑː.əl/

Meaning & Usage

- Later, Eventually (adverb)

Estel:

Was you fixin' to run to town?

Elmer:

Not 'til afterwhile.

variations: after while

★ If someone says they'll get to it "afterwhile," don't hold your breath - but don't worry, they mean well. ★

Origin and Etymology

A contraction of "after" and "awhile." While "after a while" has been in English since at least the 16th century, Appalachian speech often blends the words together in casual conversation. The form "afterwhile" stuck, passed down through generations.

Usage Notes

"Afterwhile" is common in rural and Southern speech. It’s more vague than "in a minute" or "in a while" and is usually used when the exact time isn’t important. You might hear it when someone is putting off a chore or making loose plans.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "afterwhile" a real word?

Yes and no. It's common in spoken English in the South and Appalachia but is considered informal in writing. It’s essentially a folksy blend of "after awhile."

What's the difference between "afterwhile" and "in a while"?

They’re close in meaning, but "afterwhile" can feel a bit more drawn out or noncommittal.

Do people still say "afterwhile" today?

Absolutely. You’ll hear it in everyday conversation in much of the South, especially among older folks and in rural communities.

Where does "afterwhile" come from?

Likely from naturally slurring "after a while" together in casual speech. It appears in oral storytelling and regional literature, too.

Is "afterwhile" ever used to mean "afterwards"?

Sometimes - context will tell you. In some conversations, it can mean "later on" rather than "eventually."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 25). Afterwhile. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/afterwhile
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Afterwhile." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/afterwhile.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Afterwhile." HillbillySlang.com. September 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/afterwhile.

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