Whenevern
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Whenevern" means "whenever" - used either for time ("at whatever time") or as an intensifier ("every time that"").
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Whenevern' is more regional and old timers. It's one that I'm pretty sure I've heard, but it's hard to call. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Whenevern' is more regional and old timers. It's one that I'm pretty sure I've heard, but it's hard to call. Pronunciation
[WHEN-ever-n] /ˈwɛnˌɛvɚn/
Meaning & Usage
- At whatever time (temporal) (conjunction)
Mae:
When can I drop off the pie?
When can I drop off the pie?
Earl:
Whenevern you’re ready.
Whenevern you’re ready.- Every time / whenever it happens (habitual) (conjunction)
Martha:
He’d smile whenevern he saw me.
He’d smile whenevern he saw me.variations: Whenever, If’n (related dialect form), When All, Any Time
★ Adding "-n" to words like "whenever" (to make "whenevern") is common in Appalachian and Southern speech. It gives the phrase a folksy feel and sometimes adds emphasis or habitual meaning ("each time" instead of "at some time"). ★
Origin and Etymology
From older Scots-Irish and British dialect forms that added "-n" to adverbs and conjunctions ("if’n," "whenevern"). This form persisted in Southern and Appalachian English long after disappearing from standard usage.
Usage Notes
Still heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it’s rare and usually perceived as folksy or humorous.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "whenevern" - adds a little "n" sound to "whenever," often said as one quick word in everyday speech.