walmarks

In Appalachian and Southern talk, "Walmarks" (or "the Walmarks") is a folksy way of saying Walmart. It reflects the habit of adding an "s" (or a twist of sound) to store names, whether they have one or not.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Growing up, people never went to Walmart - they done went down to the Walmarks. A good majority called it that, and nobody thought twice about it. You hear it less today.

Pronunciation

[WAHL-marks]

Meaning & Usage

- Walmart store (noun, proper)

Mae:

Where you headed?

Earl:

Down to the Walmarks for some dog food.

- Folksy speech habit (cultural usage)

Ruby:

I need groceries.

Estel:

I’ll run over to Krogers after the Walmarks.

other spellings: Walmart, Walmarts, the Walmarts, and the Walmarks

★ It’s not just Walmart - folks add "s" to all kinds of store names. It’s a down-home quirk of speech, not a mistake. ★

Origin

The form comes from Appalachian and Southern speech patterns where adding or shifting sounds in brand names is common. Walmart opened in the South, and locals quickly made it "Walmarks."

Notes

Though younger folks may stick to "Walmart," older generations still say "the Walmarks" out of habit. It carries a folksy, nostalgic feel, tied to shopping trips that were as much social as practical.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain and quick: "the Walmarks." The extra "s" rolls off natural, like folks do with Kmarts or Krogers.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Why do people say "Walmarks"?

It’s a regional speech habit - adding an "s" or changing a sound in store names.

Is it only for Walmart?

No - folks also say "the Krogers," "the Kmarts," even "the Sonics."

Do people still say "Walmarks"?

Not as often, but it’s still heard among older generations and remembered fondly.

Was it meant as a joke?

Not really. Most folks said it naturally, without thinking twice.