Hereabouts
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "hereabouts" means in or around this place - somewhere nearby. It’s a down-home way to talk about the local area without being specific.
synonyms: nearby, close by, locally, in the area
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Hereabouts' is one of those I can't pin down. Most of the definitions and sayings I have pretty vivid memories of, but this doesn't fall into that category. So I'm gonna say this one is probably more regional - and more of an old timers word. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Hereabouts' is one of those I can't pin down. Most of the definitions and sayings I have pretty vivid memories of, but this doesn't fall into that category. So I'm gonna say this one is probably more regional - and more of an old timers word. Pronunciation
[HEER-uh-bouts]
/ˈhɪər.ə.baʊts/
/ˈhɪər.ə.baʊts/
Meaning & Usage
- In or around this place (adverb)
Dewey:
Ain’t but one good mechanic hereabouts anymore.
Ain’t but one good mechanic hereabouts anymore.
Lula:
Yep - and he stays booked three weeks out.
Yep - and he stays booked three weeks out.variations: around here, near here, in these parts
★ If you hear somebody say "hereabouts," they probably mean "around here" - not just nearby, but within their whole known world of back roads and hollers. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English and older British dialects meaning "around this place." The form took strong root in rural Southern and Appalachian English, where it remains a common way to refer to one’s immediate surroundings or community. Its staying power comes from the region’s oral storytelling and everyday speech.
Usage Notes
"Hereabouts" appears in both Southern and Appalachian speech as a natural, slightly old-fashioned way to say "around here."
- Used for people, places, or happenings nearby: "Ain’t seen him hereabouts lately."
- Often found in storytelling or local gossip.
- Still in everyday use in rural parts of the South, though less common nationally.