That There
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "that there" is used for emphasis, meaning "that" or "that right there." It’s a plain, folksy turn of phrase that adds weight and color to pointing something out.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If it ain't this here one, it's 'that there' one. Common talk. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If it ain't this here one, it's 'that there' one. Common talk. Pronunciation
[THAT thair]
Meaning & Usage
- Emphatic "that" (adjective phrase)
Mae:
Which one broke down?
Which one broke down?
Earl:
That there tractor - the red one.
That there tractor - the red one.★ "That there" works the same way as "this here" - a little country grammar flourish that doesn’t change meaning, just adds emphasis. ★
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in nonstandard English carried into rural American speech. In the South and Appalachia, "that there" became a natural way to call attention to something.
Usage Notes
Still common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Rare in formal English, but instantly recognizable as down-home talk. Often paired with "this here."
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "that thair." In quick speech, it runs together as "that-’ere."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 7). That There. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-there
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "That There." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-there.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "That There." HillbillySlang.com. September 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-there.
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