This’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "this’un" is the dialect form of "this one." It’s a natural way speech shortens words in everyday talk.
synonyms: this one
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We all use 'this’un' out in the country. If you grew up here, you probly say it without thinkin'. Hillbilly Dude Says...
We all use 'this’un' out in the country. If you grew up here, you probly say it without thinkin'. Pronunciation
[THIS-un] /ˈðɪs.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Dialect form of "this one" (pronoun)
Martha:
You want this’un or that’un?
You want this’un or that’un?
Clay:
I’ll take this’un - it looks sturdier.
I’ll take this’un - it looks sturdier.variations: this’n
★ You’ll often hear this’un alongside that’un ("that one") or which’un ("which one") in the same dialect family. ★
Origin and Etymology
Comes from the natural contraction of "this one" in spoken English. The dropped syllable and blended sounds show up in dialect writing as early as the 1800s. Strongly tied to Southern and Appalachian rural speech.
Usage Notes
- Usually spelled this’n or this’un when written to capture speech.
- Still common in rural speech today, though rarely written outside of dialect stories.
- Pairs naturally with that’un and which’un.