   Looky HereIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "looky here" (or "lookie here") is used to draw someone’s attention to something close at hand - often to prove a point, correct someone, or show them they’re mistaken. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #BlendedWords #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Looky here' is in use often. Hillbilly Dude Says... 'Looky here' is in use often. Pronunciation[luhk-ee heer] Meaning & Usage- Direct Attention Nearby (exclamation)
Estel:
Elmer:
That cookie's a rock.
Estel:
Elmer:
Well looky here, we got a whole carton.variations: lookie here ★ "Looky here" works best when you’re revealing something someone missed or doubted. It can be friendly, a gentle "told ya so," or even a little dramatic for effect. ★ Origin and Etymology"Looky" comes from adding a -y ending to "look," a common feature in older rural English for softening a command or making it more conversational. Pairing it with "here" directs attention to something nearby. This combination has been used in American English for over a century, especially in Southern and Appalachian regions. Usage NotesWhile "looky there" points to something farther away, "looky here" is used for something close by, often right under someone’s nose. Tone determines whether it’s playful, urgent, or slightly scolding. Say It Like a SouthernerStart with a clear, relaxed "Looky" - LUCK-ee with the vowel softened to "luhk." Follow with "here," keeping it quick and natural. The tone can range from playful to mildly scolding, but it’s almost always about showing someone something right in front of them. | ...
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... |