Month of Sundays

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "a month of Sundays" means never, or at least not for a very long time. It’s an exaggerated way of saying something won’t happen anytime soon.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

It doesn't come up often, but 'a month of Sundays' does sometimes - usually when referring to the last time you did something.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

It doesn't come up often, but 'a month of Sundays' does sometimes - usually when referring to the last time you did something.

Pronunciation

[uh MUHNTH uhv SUHN-deez]

Meaning & Usage

- Never / Not Anytime Soon (idiom)

Mae:

Think he’ll get that field plowed?

Earl:

Not in a month of Sundays.

Ruby:

Would you eat frog legs?

Estel:

Not in a month of Sundays.

variations: a month of Sundays, month of Sundays, not in a month of Sundays

★ When someone says "not in a month of Sundays," don’t take it literally. It’s just a colorful way of saying "never" - though with a smile instead of bitterness. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase goes back to at least the 18th century in Britain, where it was used humorously to mean a ridiculously long time. Appalachia carried it forward, using it in everyday talk and storytelling.

Usage Notes

"A month of Sundays" is still recognized across the U.S., but in Appalachia it keeps a folksy edge. You’ll hear it in jokes, tall tales, and when someone wants to poke fun at how unlikely something is.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "a month of Sundays." Drawn out in a storyteller’s tone, it adds extra weight to the exaggeration.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "a month of Sundays" literally mean 30 Sundays?

No - it’s a figure of speech for a very long time or never.

Is it only Appalachian?

No - it’s found in English worldwide, but Appalachians use it naturally in speech.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - especially older generations and in rural communities.

Can it be playful?

Absolutely - it’s often used with humor, not bitterness.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 3). Month of Sundays. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/month-of-sundays
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Month of Sundays." HillbillySlang.com, 3 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/month-of-sundays.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Month of Sundays." HillbillySlang.com. September 3, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/month-of-sundays.

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