Naw

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "naw" is the natural, drawn-out way of saying "no." It reflects the regional vowel sound that turns "no" into "naw."

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: no

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Naw' is a super-common, everday word. The 'aw' part gets more 'aw-y' depending on context. Like 'you think he'd hoodoo me?' The 'no way' answer might be 'naw', but heavy on the 'aw' part.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Naw' is a super-common, everday word. The 'aw' part gets more 'aw-y' depending on context. Like 'you think he'd hoodoo me?' The 'no way' answer might be 'naw', but heavy on the 'aw' part.

Pronunciation

[NAW]
/nɑː/

Meaning & Usage

- No (interjection)

Friend:

You goin’ fishin’ today?

Papaw:

Naw, it’s too dang hot.

variations: nah, naaw

Origin and Etymology

The pronunciation "naw" comes from the open back vowel sound common in Southern and Appalachian English. It reflects natural speech patterns, not slang invention, and has roots in older English vowel shifts.

Usage Notes

Common throughout the South and Appalachia, especially in informal conversation. Often written in dialect to capture accent or tone. "Naw" may be lengthened or drawn out for emphasis.

Short "no" → /noʊ/ (standard)
Southern "naw" → /nɑː/ (drawn-out, open sound)

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "naw" mean in Southern talk?

It simply means "no," said with the Southern long vowel sound.

Is "naw" the same as "nah"?

They’re similar, but "naw" is the distinct Southern/Appalachian version, often longer and warmer-sounding.

Where is "naw" used?

Throughout the American South and Appalachian Mountains. You’ll hear it in everyday talk, songs, and Southern storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 4). Naw. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/naw
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Naw." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/naw.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Naw." HillbillySlang.com. October 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/naw.

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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...