   Like Me A...In Appalachian and Southern speech, the "like X a" pattern adds a reflexive/benefactive pronoun after "like" to mean "really like" or "personally favor." It’s a living grammar feature that emphasizes personal preference. synonyms: personally like, really enjoy, favor, prefer Hillbilly Dude Says...  'I like me a' a pulled pork barbeque sandwich with caramelized onions, pork belly, and plenty of sauce. And that's exactly how I'd say it, and how people down here would say it. Hillbilly Dude Says... 'I like me a' a pulled pork barbeque sandwich with caramelized onions, pork belly, and plenty of sauce. And that's exactly how I'd say it, and how people down here would say it. Pronunciation[LAHK mee / yoo / thuym] /laɪk miː | juː | ðɛm/ Meaning & Usage- Expressing Personal Liking / Preference (emphatic)
Mae:
I like me a hot biscuit with butter.
Earl:
We like us a big Sunday dinner.
Ruby:
He likes him a long nap after work.
Hazel:
She likes her a mountain view.
Clara:
They like them a Friday night fish fry.★ This is the Southern/Appalachian reflexive (benefactive) dative applied to "like." It adds warmth and emphasis - "I like me a cold Dr Pepper" feels stronger than just "I like a cold Dr Pepper." ★ Origin and EtymologyCarried over from older Northern English and Scots-Irish speech where reflexive/benefactive pronouns were common. Settlers brought the pattern to the American South and Appalachia, where it remains vibrant alongside "got me a" and "fix me a." Usage NotesThe "like X a" pattern mirrors "got me a" but expresses preference instead of acquisition. Speakers swap in different pronouns to match the subject. In writing it may look informal, but in speech it’s perfectly natural.
Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "I like me a"" "You like you a"" "We like us a"" "They like them a"" "He likes him a"" "She likes her a"" | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |