internets

In Appalachian and Southern talk, "internets" is a playful way of referring to the internet. It reflects the regional habit of adding an "s" to names - and sometimes twisting it further into "interwebs."

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard, 'I seen it on the internets.'

Pronunciation

[IN-ter-nets]

Meaning & Usage

- The Internet (pluralized) (noun)

Mae:

Where’d you hear that?

Earl:

On the internets.

- Playful / joking reference (noun)

Ruby:

Kids sayin’ I need the TikToks on my phone.

Estel:

Next thing you know, you’ll be on the interwebs.

other spellings: internet, the internet, internets, the internets, interwebs, and the interwebs

★ "The internets" isn’t about tech - it’s about tone. Folks add the "s" out of habit, or to poke fun at modern life. ★

Origin

The form comes from the same speech pattern that gave us Walmarks and "Krogers." Adding "s" makes the word feel more familiar, and "interwebs" grew as a joking twist, especially once the internet became mainstream.

Notes

You’ll still hear "internets" in rural and Appalachian communities, sometimes sincerely, sometimes with a grin. "Interwebs" leans more humorous, but both reflect the same cultural habit of reshaping words to fit local rhythm.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said casual: "the internets." Sometimes "interwebs" sneaks in, making it sound even more folksy and tongue-in-cheek.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Why do people say "internets"?

It’s a regional habit of adding an "s" to names - same as "Walmarks" or "Krogers."

Is "interwebs" the same thing?

Pretty much - it’s a joking form that plays off "internet," especially common online and in playful speech.

Do people still say "internets"?

Yes, though less than in the early 2000s. In Appalachia, it’s still heard now and again, usually with a smile.

Is it meant to be serious?

Sometimes - but often it’s tongue-in-cheek. Context tells you whether it’s playful or plain.