I Declare!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "I declare" is an exclamation showing surprise, mild shock, or even playful disapproval. It’s a genteel way of reacting without strong words.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My neighbor would holler 'well I declare!' at my friend growin up. She was from the other side of the mountain, so I didn't know that one. For years, I thought she was sayin' 'Idie Claire.'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My neighbor would holler 'well I declare!' at my friend growin up. She was from the other side of the mountain, so I didn't know that one. For years, I thought she was sayin' 'Idie Claire.'

Pronunciation

[ah dih-KLAIR]

Meaning & Usage

- Exclamation of surprise or mild shock (interjection)

Elmer:

Did you hear she bought another cow?

Estel:

Well, I declare!

- Playful disapproval (interjection)

Estel:

Them young'uns tracked mud all through the kitchen.

Ruby:

I declare, they’ll be the ruin of me.

variations: well, I declare mercy me goodness gracious land sakes

★ "I declare" is often softened with "Well," at the start - "Well, I declare." It’s a polite way of showing strong feelings without sounding harsh. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase goes back to older English expressions like "I declare to you" or "I declare before (You-Know-Who)," used to emphasize truth. In Appalachia and the South, it shed the formal sense and became a folksy exclamation.

Usage Notes

Common in older generations, "I declare" still shows up in storytelling, family talk, and even sermons. It’s gentler than "They law!" and often carries humor or affection.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it with a little breath: "Ah dih-KLAIR." Often stretched out - "Well, I deee-clare" - to show amusement or disbelief.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "I declare" mean you’re making a statement?

Not in this context. It’s just an exclamation, not a legal or formal declaration.

Is "I declare" still used today?

Yes, mostly among older folks, but it pops up in playful or nostalgic speech.

Is it polite?

Very. It’s one of the gentler Appalachian exclamations.

How does it compare to "They law!"?

"I declare" is milder, while "They law!" is more forceful and dramatic.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 5). I Declare!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-declare
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "I Declare!." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-declare.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "I Declare!." HillbillySlang.com. September 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-declare.

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