Fixin’ To

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "fixin’ to" means "about to" or "getting ready to." It’s a common saying that signals intention - whether it’s leaving the house, cooking supper, or starting a chore.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #Southern #MoneyWorkandChores

synonyms: about to, getting ready to, just about to, preparing to, aiming to, gonna

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Anybody born down here is 'fixin’ to' do stuff everday. If it's the end of the sentence, you'll hear the 'to'. Otherwise, it's 'fixin'a.'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Anybody born down here is 'fixin’ to' do stuff everday. If it's the end of the sentence, you'll hear the 'to'. Otherwise, it's 'fixin'a.'

Pronunciation

[FIK-sin too]

Meaning & Usage

- About to, preparing to (saying)

Mae:

I’m fixin’ to start supper.

Earl:

Good - I’m hungry already.

variations: fixing to

★ "Fixin’ to" almost never means repairing something. It’s all about intention - you’re about to get up and do it. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older English "fix" meaning to prepare or arrange. By the 1800s in the American South, "fixin’ to" evolved into a phrase meaning "preparing to do." It’s still a hallmark of Southern/Appalachian speech.

Usage Notes

Very common in the South and Appalachia, often in casual conversation. Outsiders sometimes poke fun at it, but for locals it’s natural and clear.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "fixin’ tuh." Drop the "g" in "fixing" and soften "to" into "tuh."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "fixin’ to" mean repairing?

No - it means you’re about to do something, not fixing a broken thing.

Is it still common today?

Absolutely - it’s one of the most recognizable Southern/Appalachian sayings.

Is it the same as "gonna"?

Close, but not exact. "Fixin’ to" carries a sense of *getting ready*, while "gonna" is just future tense.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Fixin’ To. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fixin-to
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fixin’ To." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fixin-to.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Fixin’ To." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fixin-to.

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