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Ever Now and Again

In Appalachian speech, "ever now and again" means occasionally or every once in a while. It’s a folksy twist on "now and again," adding that mountain flavor with "ever."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Time   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
I say 'ever now and again', well... ever now and again. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I say 'ever now and again', well... ever now and again. 

Pronunciation

[EV-ur nau ’n uh-GIN] or [EV-ur nau ’n uh-GEN]

Meaning & Usage

- Occasionally / Every Once in a While (adverb phrase)

Mae:
You get down to Knoxville much?
Earl:
Ever now and again.
Ruby:
You still play the banjo?
Estel:
Ever now and again, when I get the chance.
variations: ever now and again, ever now ’n agin, every now and again (related), now and again (related)
★ If you hear "ever now and again," it’s the same as "every once in a while." The "ever" adds emphasis, giving it a more Appalachian feel. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the older English phrase "now and again," meaning occasionally. In Appalachian dialect, "ever" was added for rhythm and emphasis, creating the distinct local form "ever now and again."

Usage Notes

Common in Appalachian storytelling and casual speech, especially among older generations. "Ever now and again" shows how mountain talk adds extra flavor to everyday English.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it easy and smooth: "ever now ’n agin." The "and" nearly disappears, and "again" often comes out "agin."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "ever now and again" mean the same as "every now and then"?
Yes - both mean occasionally, though "ever now and again" is more Appalachian.
Is it formal English?
No - it’s regional and informal.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - especially in rural Appalachia, though younger folks might say "every now and then" instead.
Can it be written "ever now ’n agin"?
Definitely - that spelling shows the true sound of Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 27). Ever Now and Again. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-now-and-again
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Ever Now and Again." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-now-and-again.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Ever Now and Again." HillbillySlang.com. August 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-now-and-again.
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