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Big Ol’ Hug

In Appalachian and Southern talk, "big ol’ hug" means a strong, hearty embrace. It emphasizes size and warmth - not just a hug, but a squeeze full of love.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
Gimme a "big ol' hug" is in everday speeach. That's the best kind of hug really. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Gimme a "big ol' hug" is in everday speeach. That's the best kind of hug really. 

Pronunciation

[big ohl huhg]

Meaning & Usage

- Strong embrace (noun phrase)

Mae:
Come here, I ain’t seen you in months.
Earl:
C’mere for a big ol’ hug.

- Affection / warmth (noun phrase)

Ruby:
She was cryin’ somethin’ awful.
Estel:
Gave her a big ol’ hug to settle her down.
variations: bear hug, squeeze, embrace, good ol’ hug, big hug
★ "Big ol’ hug" isn’t about size alone - it’s about the strength of affection. It’s what you give kin, friends, and folks you’ve missed. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Big ol’" is a Southern/Appalachian intensifier that makes anything sound larger or stronger. Paired with "hug," it became a stock phrase for an embrace that’s bigger than the ordinary.

Usage Notes

You’ll hear "big ol’ hug" in Appalachian families, churches, and gatherings. It shows up in country music and pop culture too, reinforcing its role as a warm, down-home phrase.

Say It Like a Southerner

Draw out the middle: "big OL’ hug." Said with affection, it makes the hug sound larger than life.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is a "big ol’ hug" different from a regular hug?
Yes - it’s stronger, longer, and more affectionate.
Do people still say "big ol’ hug"?
Absolutely. It’s common in everyday Appalachian and Southern speech, especially among family and friends.
Is it just a regional phrase?
It’s strongest in Appalachia and the South, but well-known across the U.S. thanks to songs, movies, and church culture.
Can "big ol’ hug" be playful?
Very much - it can mean a bear hug, a tickle hug, or just an exaggerated show of affection.

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