Yon
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "yon" is a demonstrative meaning "that" or "over there." It’s a rare but authentic survival from older English, closely related to "yonder."
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #TravelandLocation #OldTimers #Southern
synonyms: yonder, over there, that place
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'yon,' but only out in the country, and only old timers. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'yon,' but only out in the country, and only old timers. Pronunciation
[YON]
/jɒn/
/jɒn/
Meaning & Usage
- That / Over There (demonstrative adjective or pronoun)
Mae:
Fetch that pail from yon shelf.
Fetch that pail from yon shelf.
Earl:
Got it.
Got it.variations: over yon, back yon, yon place
★ "Yon" comes straight from Old English and Scots-Irish speech. In the South and Appalachia it’s mostly heard in older or rural communities and often paired with "back" or "over." ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English "geon" meaning "over there." Settlers from Scotland and Ireland brought it to Appalachia, where it survived in forms like "back yon" and "over yon" alongside "yonder."
Usage Notes
Still occasionally heard in rural Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it may sound archaic but is easily understood thanks to "yonder."
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: often "over yon" or "back yon" in relaxed speech. Used the same way as "yonder" to point out a place or thing.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Yon. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yon
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Yon." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yon.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Yon." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/yon.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...