Ever Once in Awhile

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ever once in awhile" means occasionally or from time to time. It’s a folksy variant of the more standard "every once in a while."

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Ever once in awhile' is another one that comes up in everday speech.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Ever once in awhile' is another one that comes up in everday speech.

Pronunciation

[EV-ur wunce in uh-WILE]

Meaning & Usage

- Occasionally / From Time to Time (adverb phrase)

Earl:

You play that old banjo much?

Estel:

Ever once in awhile, when the mood hits me.

Ruby:

Do you clean out the smokehouse regular?

Mae:

Not regular - just ever once in awhile.

variations: ever once in awhile, ever once in a while, every once in a while, ever once ’n awhile

★ If you hear "ever once in awhile," it means the same as "every once in a while." The mountain version just drops the "y" and rolls smoother off the tongue. ★

Origin and Etymology

From "every once in a while," a phrase in English since at least the 1700s. In Appalachian speech, the "every" often becomes "ever," creating the local form.

Usage Notes

Still common in Appalachian and Southern talk. It shows up in casual storytelling, family conversation, and everyday routines. Folks might write it as "every once in a while," but say "ever once in awhile."

Say It Like a Southerner

Drop the "y" in "every" and it comes out "ever." Smooth the phrase quick: "ever once in awhile."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "ever once in awhile" the same as "every once in a while"?

Yes - they mean the same thing.

Is it considered proper English?

Not formally, but it’s widely understood.

Do people still use it today?

Absolutely - you’ll hear it often in rural speech and family talk.

How does it compare to "ever so often"?

Both mean occasionally, but "ever once in awhile" feels more casual, while "ever so often" can sound a bit more deliberate.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 25). Ever Once in Awhile. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-once-in-awhile
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Ever Once in Awhile." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-once-in-awhile.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Ever Once in Awhile." HillbillySlang.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-once-in-awhile.

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