Which’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "which’un" is the dialect form of "which one." A natural contraction that keeps talk smooth and quick.
synonyms: which one
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say that 'which’un' is a little bit more old timers that 'this'un' and 'that'un', and more out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say that 'which’un' is a little bit more old timers that 'this'un' and 'that'un', and more out in the country. Pronunciation
[WICH-un]
/ˈwɪʧ.ən/
/ˈwɪʧ.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Dialect form of "which one" (pronoun)
Ruth:
Which’un of these hounds is yours?
Which’un of these hounds is yours?
Frank:
That’un there’s mine.
That’un there’s mine.variations: which’n
★ When paired with this’un and that’un, which’un shows a full pattern of Southern/Appalachian contractions for everyday speech. ★
Origin and Etymology
From a contracted form of "which one." Appears in dialect records of Southern/Appalachian English from the 19th century onward.
Usage Notes
- Often written which’n or which’un to reflect how it’s said.
- Still heard in rural conversation, not common in formal writing.
- Pairs with this’un and that’un in the same speech pattern.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 30). Which’un. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whichun
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Which’un." HillbillySlang.com, 30 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whichun.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Which’un." HillbillySlang.com. September 30, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whichun.
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