Theirselves
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Theirselves" is used instead of "themselves" as a reflexive pronoun, a hallmark of regional grammar.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Theirselves' is common out in the country. Really from most anybody that grew up down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Theirselves' is common out in the country. Really from most anybody that grew up down here. Pronunciation
[THAIR-selves] /ðɛrˈsɛlvz/
Meaning & Usage
- Dialect reflexive pronoun for "themselves"
June:
Who put up all those jars?
Who put up all those jars?
Bobby:
They did it all by theirselves.
They did it all by theirselves.★ "Theirselves" follows the same older English pattern as "hisself," a remnant of Middle English reflexive forms. In Southern/Appalachian speech it signals informality and authenticity. ★
Origin and Etymology
Derived from older English reflexive pronouns ("theirselves," "hisself") that were once common across English dialects. These forms persisted in rural Southern and Appalachian speech long after disappearing from standard English.
Usage Notes
Still heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it’s considered nonstandard but widely recognized as dialect or folksy style.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "theirselves" - often said quickly with "their" and "selves" blended together.