Ain’t That Right

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Ain’t that right?" (often heard as "Ain’t t’at right?") is a conversational tag meaning "Isn’t that true?" It’s a way of asking for agreement, more rhetorical than literal.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #DialectandGrammar #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

This one is common around here. Usually comes out closer to 'ain’t t’at right?' My Momma used to say, 'ain't t'at right, Miss Mull?' in a deep gruff voice - mimicking the host from an old radio show.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Pronunciation

[ayn’t TAT rahyt]

Meaning & Usage

- Seeking agreement / rhetorical tag (phrase)

Mae:

These taters taste better’n any you’ll buy in town - ain’t that right?

Earl:

That’s the truth.

variations: ain’t t’at right, ain’t that so, right?, don’t you think?, you know?

★ This phrase is less a real question than a verbal nudge. It’s a way of pulling you into agreement - sometimes with a wink, sometimes with authority. ★

Origin and Etymology

Built from the standard English "Isn’t that right?" Appalachian speech replaces "isn’t" with "ain’t" and often clips "that" to "t’at." The form is widespread in Southern and Appalachian oral tradition, where rhetorical questions help rhythm storytelling.

Usage Notes

"Ain’t that right?" is used across Appalachia and the South in casual talk, sermons, and storytelling. Outsiders may hear it as seeking confirmation, but locals know it’s often just a way of punctuating speech or drawing in listeners.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it quick, with the "th" in "that" often clipped to a "t" sound: "Ain’t t’at right?" It’s less about seeking an answer and more about sealing the point you just made.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "ain’t that right?" always need an answer?

Not really. It’s often rhetorical - but folks will nod or agree out of habit.

What’s the difference between "ain’t that right?" and "right?"

Meaning is the same, but "ain’t that right?" has a stronger, folksier flavor.

Why "t’at" instead of "that"?

Appalachian speech often drops the "th" to "t" in casual, fast talk.

Is it still used today?

Yes - you’ll hear it in kitchens, churches, and front porches across the South and Appalachia.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 4). Ain’t That Right. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-that-right
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Ain’t That Right." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-that-right.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Ain’t That Right." HillbillySlang.com. September 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-that-right.

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