Ahold

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "ahold" means "a hold of" or "to grab / get hold of" something. It’s an older English form still common in rural talk and family sayings.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

We use 'ahold' if we're talking about contacting someone, or if we grab something. This one is commonplace.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We use 'ahold' if we're talking about contacting someone, or if we grab something. This one is commonplace.

Pronunciation

[uh-HOHLD]
/əˈhoʊld/

Meaning & Usage

- To grab or grasp something (verb phrase)

Mae:

How’d you get it unstuck?

Earl:

Just took ahold of it and yanked.

- To contact or reach someone (verb phrase)

Mae:

Did you talk to him?

Earl:

Not yet-I’ll get ahold of him later.

variations: get a hold, grab hold, take hold, lay hold of

★ "Ahold" blends the older English "a" prefix with "hold" (as in "lay hold of"). Southern/Appalachian speech kept it as one word long after it faded elsewhere. You’ll also see "aholt" as a dialectal pronunciation. ★

Origin and Etymology

Recorded in regional word lists and Appalachian speech as especially common in the South, South Midland, and Ozarks. Reflects older English usage where "a" + verb formed a participial phrase ("a-running," "a-going").

Usage Notes

Still heard today in rural and older speakers’ talk. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is readily understood. Common phrases include "take ahold of," "get ahold of," and "grab ahold of."

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say it natural: "took ahold" = "took ’aholt" in some dialects. You’ll also hear "get ahold" or "got ahold."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "ahold" one word or two?

In Southern/Appalachian speech it’s often one word ("ahold"), though historically it was "a hold."

Can it mean "contact" someone?

Yes-"get ahold of him" = "reach or contact him."

Is "aholt" a different word?

No-it’s just a dialect pronunciation of "ahold."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Ahold. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ahold
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Ahold." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ahold.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Ahold." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ahold.