In Appalachian and Southern speech, "innards" means a person or animal’s insides - the internal organs, guts, or entrails. Sometimes it’s used playfully for feelings deep down inside.
You don't hear this one too much, but 'innards' can still be heard. Could be because the subject isn't an everyday one! And there is, of course, 'Mountain Dew - It'll Tickle Yore Innards!'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You don't hear this one too much, but 'innards' can still be heard. Could be because the subject isn't an everyday one! And there is, of course, 'Mountain Dew - It'll Tickle Yore Innards!'
Pronunciation
[IN-urdz]
Meaning & Usage
- Internal Organs / Guts (noun)
Butcher talk
Earl:
What’d you do with the hog innards?
Mae:
Fed some to the dogs, saved some for sausage casings.
Everyday pain
Ruby:
That chili tore up my innards.
- Deep Inside / Feelings (figurative)
Describing emotions
Estel:
I was laughin’ clean down to my innards.
variations: innards, in’ards, inners
★ "Innards" can sound rough, but in Appalachian talk it’s everyday language. It can be about hog butchering, or just about your stomach acting up. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "inward" meaning "inside," turned into the plural "innards." The word has been in English since the 1500s and stuck hard in rural and Southern dialects, especially around farming and food.
Usage Notes
"Innards" is common in kitchen talk, hunting, and butchering. It also shows up metaphorically, like "tickled to my innards" or "hurts in my innards." You’ll hear it across Appalachia and the South.
Say It Like a Southerner
Starts like "in," then "erds" with a soft "d" - often said quick, like "inn-erds." Mountain speech keeps it short and plain.
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
You don't hear this one too much, but 'innards' can still be heard. Could be because the subject isn't an everyday one! And there is, of course, 'Mountain Dew - It'll Tickle Yore Innards!' 
