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Pronunciation

[OUT-n-uh-bout]

Meaning & Usage

- Not at home

Elmer:
You seen Estel today?
Clara:
Nope, he’s outnabout.

- Busy and away

Elmer:
Where’s your mama?
Clara:
Outnabout - probably pickin’ up groceries and stoppin’ by the post office.
variations: out and about, out ’n’ about, out-n-about
★ If someone’s outnabout, you probably won’t catch ’em sittin’ still - they’re on the move. ★

Origin and Etymology

A contracted form of "out and about," found in rural Southern and Appalachian dialects, often run together in quick speech.

Usage Notes

Usually informal - describes someone being out for a variety of reasons, from social visits to chores.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "outnabout" only Southern?
No, but the run-together pronunciation is especially common in the South and Appalachia.
Does it mean traveling far?
Not necessarily - it can mean anywhere away from home, even just around town.

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 29). Outnabout. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/outnabout
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    The Hillbilly Dude. "Outnabout." HillbillySlang.com. September 29, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/outnabout.
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