Don’t You Fret None
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "don’t you fret none" means "don’t worry" or "don’t be upset." It combines the old verb "fret" with the regional intensifier "none," making a warm, folksy reassurance.
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synonyms: don't worry
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Don’t you fret none' - that's something you'll still hear out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Don’t you fret none' - that's something you'll still hear out in the country. Pronunciation
[DONT yew FRET nun]
Meaning & Usage
- Reassuring someone not to worry (folk saying)
Mae:
I’m afraid we’ll be late.
I’m afraid we’ll be late.
Earl:
Don’t you fret none - we’ve got plenty of time.
Don’t you fret none - we’ve got plenty of time.★ "Fret" for "worry" comes from older English. Adding "none" after the negative is a classic Southern/Appalachian pattern, intensifying the reassurance and giving it a friendly, down-home feel. ★
Origin and Etymology
Found in Appalachian and Southern dialect studies as well as Foxfire interviews, this term reflects a blend of old English verbs and regional grammar patterns brought by Scots-Irish settlers.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers and in storytelling. Outside the region it’s rare but recognizable from context or folk songs.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it gentle and reassuring: "Don’t you fret none." "Fret" rhymes with "bet," and "none" softens the phrase with a rural lilt.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Don’t You Fret None. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-you-fret-none
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Don’t You Fret None." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-you-fret-none.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Don’t You Fret None." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-you-fret-none.
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