In Appalachian and Southern speech, "the house" simply means home. Folks use it instead of saying "my house" or "home," as in "let’s head to the house" or "I left it at the house." In older usage, it could also mean the main dwelling (as opposed to outbuildings) or even the outhouse.
Almost everybody refers to their home to 'the house.'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Almost everybody refers to their home to 'the house.'
Pronunciation
[thuh HOWSS]
Meaning & Usage
- Home (noun, main modern sense)
At the end of the day
Mae:
Where you headed now?
Earl:
Back to the house.
- The dwelling vs. outbuildings (noun, older sense)
Farm life
Mae:
Where’s supper?
Earl:
In the house, not out here in the barn.
- Bathroom / outhouse (noun, older sense)
Talking plain
Mae:
Where’s little Bobby?
Earl:
He’s out back at the house.
★ When somebody says "I’m headin’ to the house," they mean going home - not necessarily a literal house. It’s a way of marking the homeplace as *the* central spot. ★
Origin and Etymology
From standard English "the house," but in Appalachian and Southern usage it narrowed into meaning "home." Earlier generations also used it to distinguish the main dwelling from barns, smokehouses, or outhouses.
Usage Notes
Still a very common phrase across Appalachia and the South. Outsiders may find it odd to say "the house" instead of "home," but within the region it’s natural and universal.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "thuh house." Drawn out a little when used at the end of a sentence.
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Almost everybody refers to their home to 'the house.'