Ittun
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ittun" is a dialect contraction of "it isn’t" or "isn’t it." It’s a natural slurred form heard in everyday conversation, especially among older speakers.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Most everbody around here uses 'Ittun' instead of 'isn't.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
Most everbody around here uses 'Ittun' instead of 'isn't.' Pronunciation
[IT-un] or [ID-n]
Meaning & Usage
- Contraction of "it isn’t" or "isn’t it" (dialect verb form)
Mae:
Ittun rainin’ yet?
Ittun rainin’ yet?- Tag-question form of "isn’t it" (dialect)
Mae:
Pretty warm today, ittun?
Pretty warm today, ittun?variations: it isn’t, isn’t it, idn’t, it’n
★ "Ittun" (or "idn’t," "it’n") is a hallmark of Southern/Appalachian casual speech. It’s not a mistake but a natural contraction reflecting older Scots-Irish sound patterns. ★
Origin and Etymology
Found in Appalachian and Southern dialect studies, this is a reduced form of "it isn’t" or "isn’t it," much like "ain’t" evolved from "am not."
Usage Notes
Still heard among older Southerners and in rural communities. Outside the region it’s rare and usually recognized only from dialect writing or storytelling.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "ittun" or "idn’t," often in sentences like "Ittun far from here" or "Nice day, ittun?"