Set a Spell

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "sit a spell" means to sit down and rest for a while, often paired with visiting or porch-sittin’. It’s an invitation to slow down and stay a bit.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #OldTimers #Southern

synonyms: stay

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I have heard 'sit a spell', and probly said it a few times myself. You'll hear it more out in the country.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I have heard 'sit a spell', and probly said it a few times myself. You'll hear it more out in the country.

Pronunciation

[SIT uh SPEL]

Meaning & Usage

- To sit down and rest a while (verb phrase)

Mae:

Where you off to in such a hurry?

Earl:

No place urgent - I’ll sit a spell.

- To visit briefly (verb phrase)

Mae:

We stopped by and sat a spell with Aunt Clara.

variations: set a spell

★ "Sit a spell" is more than resting - it’s tied to Southern hospitality. It’s an invitation to share company, not just take a seat. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the older English use of "spell" meaning a short time. In Appalachia and the South, the phrase "sit a spell" stuck as a common invitation to pause and visit.

Usage Notes

Still widely heard in Appalachia and the South, especially among older generations. Outside these regions, the phrase is often recognized but feels "folksy" or old-fashioned.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "sit-uh-spel." Quick, friendly, and welcoming.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "sit a spell" mean magic?

No - here "spell" means "a short time."

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in rural and family settings, often on porches or kitchens.

Do people outside the South use it?

Rarely. It’s understood but feels quaint outside the region.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 28). Set a Spell. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/sit-a-spell
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Set a Spell." HillbillySlang.com, 28 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/sit-a-spell.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Set a Spell." HillbillySlang.com. September 28, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/sit-a-spell.

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