Far as I Know
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "far as I know" means "as far as I know" - to the best of my knowledge, with some certainty but room for error. Outsiders sometimes hear it as "for as I know."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
This probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I know,' but I do say it all the time. And it's common around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
This probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I know,' but I do say it all the time. And it's common around here. Pronunciation
[FAR az AH NO]
Meaning & Usage
- To the best of my knowledge, with some certainty (phrase)
Mae:
He still workin’ at the plant?
He still workin’ at the plant?
Earl:
Far as I know, yeah.
Far as I know, yeah.variations: as far as I know, for as I know, for's I know, best I know, to my knowledge, far’s I know
★ "Far as I know" carries more certainty than "far as I can tell." It’s based on knowledge, not just observation - though it still leaves a little wiggle room. ★
Origin and Etymology
From standard English "as far as I know." In Appalachian and Southern speech, the clipped form "far as I know" became the everyday version, with "for as I know" sometimes heard by outsiders.
Usage Notes
Common in Appalachian and Southern speech, though the phrase is recognized nationally. The clipped version feels natural in regional talk, while the full "as far as I know" is more standard elsewhere.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "far as I know." Quick, with the first "as" dropped.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 1). Far as I Know. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-know
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Far as I Know." HillbillySlang.com, 1 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-know.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Far as I Know." HillbillySlang.com. September 1, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-know.
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