I’m A-Comin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, I’m a-comin’ means I’m coming / I’m on my way. The "a-" prefix is a hallmark of mountain speech and adds rhythm, emphasis, and a sense of ongoing action.

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synonyms: I'm coming, I'm headed that way

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I say 'I’m a-comin’!' daily to my litter of kids. And you'll still hear it around here it when you go to town.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I say 'I’m a-comin’!' daily to my litter of kids. And you'll still hear it around here it when you go to town.

Pronunciation

[AH-mah-CUH-muhn]
/ˈɑː.mə.ˈkʌ.mən/

Meaning & Usage

- I’m on my way (saying)

Mae:

You about ready?

Earl:

I’m a-comin’, just gotta put my boots on.

variations: I'm a-coming, I'm coming, I'm on my way, hold on, coming right now, I'm a-goin’, I'm a-headin’

★ The "a-" prefix shows up all over mountain talk - "a-goin’," "a-singin’," "a-workin’." It adds a musical cadence that makes Appalachian English instantly recognizable. ★

Origin and Etymology

The "a-" prefix comes from Old and Middle English verbal markers that indicated continuous or ongoing action. While standard English dropped the construction, Appalachian and some rural Southern dialects preserved it through Scots-Irish and early colonial speech patterns.

Usage Notes

"I’m a-comin’" is commonly heard when someone is being called from another room, told to hurry up, or expected to answer back. Speakers adjust the phrase for different subjects, and all follow the same Appalachian and Southern pattern of using the "a-" prefix with the verb.

I’m a-comin’ - first person ("I’m on my way.")
He’s a-comin’ - third person singular ("He’s headed this way.")
She’s a-comin’ - third person singular ("She’s coming now.")
They’re a-comin’ - third person plural ("They’re on their way.")

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Why the "a-" in "a-comin’"?

It’s an old English feature marking ongoing action, preserved in Appalachian speech.

Do people still say it today?

Yes, especially in playful or folksy everyday conversation.

Is it only Appalachia?

Strongest in Appalachia and the rural South, but related forms appear in older English dialect histories.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 2). I’m A-Coming. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-a-coming
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "I’m A-Coming." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-a-coming.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "I’m A-Coming." HillbillySlang.com. December 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-a-coming.