   I SwanIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "I Swan" is a quaint expression meaning "I declare" or "I’m surprised" - a gentle oath dating back to older English usage. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms Hillbilly Dude Says...  I have heard 'I Swan,' but it's mainly been from old timers. Hillbilly Dude Says... I have heard 'I Swan,' but it's mainly been from old timers. Pronunciation[EYE swahn] /aɪ swɒn/ Meaning & Usage- Mild exclamation of surprise or emphasis (old-fashioned oath)
Ruby:
They’re giving away free biscuits at the café.
Mae:
I swan, I’m heading there right now!★ "I swan" is one of the oldest Appalachian/Southern exclamations, descended from British "I warrant" or "I shall warrant." It’s a genteel, almost church-safe way of showing surprise. ★ Origin and EtymologyCame from older English "I shall warrant" → "I swar" → "I swan." Brought to the American South by early settlers, it remained in rural speech long after fading elsewhere. Usage NotesRare outside the South/Appalachia today, "I swan" marks a speaker as old-fashioned or folksy. Often replaced by "I declare" or "Well I’ll be" in mainstream speech. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "I swan" - usually said with a little emphasis and sometimes drawn out: "I sw-aaahn." | ...
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