Backerds
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "backerds" (or "back’ards") is the dialect form of "backwards," meaning in reverse or the opposite direction. It’s a classic pronunciation that shows up in storytelling and everyday talk.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Doesn't matter how much I concentrate on my accents, it most always comes out 'backerds' - and it's common down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Doesn't matter how much I concentrate on my accents, it most always comes out 'backerds' - and it's common down here. Pronunciation
[BACK-urds] or [BACK-erdz]
Meaning & Usage
- In reverse or the opposite direction (adverb/adjective)
Mae:
You sure you got that set right?
You sure you got that set right?
Earl:
Yeah - unless I put it in backerds again.
Yeah - unless I put it in backerds again.- Figurative: not the usual way (adverb/adjective)
Mae:
They do things different up there.
They do things different up there.
Earl:
Yep - feels a little backerds to me.
Yep - feels a little backerds to me.variations: backwards, back’ards, the wrong way, reverse
★ "Backerds" is one of the most recognizable old-time pronunciations in Southern/Appalachian speech. Writers often use it to give dialogue a mountain flavor. ★
Origin and Etymology
A long-standing dialect form of "backwards" in British and American English. Recorded in regional word lists as chiefly South Midland and Appalachia, preserving older speech patterns brought by Scots-Irish settlers.
Usage Notes
Still heard among older generations and in intentional storytelling. Outside the South/Appalachia it’s mostly seen in dialect writing or humor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it easy: "backerds." The middle syllable drops and the "w" disappears, giving it that mountain lilt.