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Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Misewell' is absolutely one of those everday words. I try to bend my accent for those unfortunate non-hillbillies I speak with ever once in awhile, but this one rolls off my tongue with me noticin'. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Misewell' is absolutely one of those everday words. I try to bend my accent for those unfortunate non-hillbillies I speak with ever once in awhile, but this one rolls off my tongue with me noticin'. 

Pronunciation

[MY-zuh-well] or [MIZ-well]

Meaning & Usage

- Best / Practical Option (phrase)

Elmer:
Man I'm plumb wore out workin on this thang.
Estel:
Misewell wait ‘til mornin’.
Estel:
You reckon we orta get us a coke? It's hot as fire out here.
Elmer:
Misewell. A man's gotta take a break ever now and again.
variations: mizewell, mize'well, might as well, midas well
★ When you finally give up on somethin', there's a perfect response to the next idea somebody throws out: "misewell." ★

Origin and Etymology

From the phrase "might as well," used in English since the 1500s. In fast Appalachian and Southern speech, the words blurred together and stuck as "misewell."

Usage Notes

"Misewell" shows how Appalachian English smooths over sounds in everyday speech. It’s informal, folksy, and used in the same places you’d say "might as well" in standard English.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say "might as well" real fast, and the words collapse into "misewell." The "t" and "a" vanish, leaving a smooth "miz-well."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "misewell" a real word?
It’s not standard English, but it’s a real spoken form in Appalachian and Southern dialects.
Does it mean the same as "might as well"?
Exactly - it’s just a faster, folksier way to say it.
How do you spell it?
Usually written "misewell" or "mizewell" to show how it sounds in speech.
Do people still say it today?
Absolutely - especially in rural areas, but you’ll see it pop up in texting and online too.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 14). Misewell. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/misewell
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Misewell." HillbillySlang.com, 14 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/misewell.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Misewell." HillbillySlang.com. September 14, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/misewell.
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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...
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