a singin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "a singin’" means a community gathering devoted to group singing - often hymns, gospel, or shape-note music. It’s both a religious and social event rooted in rural tradition.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard about people 'going to a singin’' since I was a young'un. You don't hear it as much these days.

Pronunciation

[UH SING-in]

Meaning & Usage

- A community gospel or hymn-singing gathering (noun phrase)

Mae:

Where you headed?

Earl:

We’re goin’ to a singin’ over at Pleasant Hill Church.

other spellings: going to a singing, singing convention, and gospel singing

★ "A singin’" was often a big social event in small towns - food, fellowship, and music all rolled together. In some places it’s also called a "singing convention." ★

Origin

From rural Southern and Appalachian religious life. Scots-Irish settlers brought communal hymn singing, which evolved into shape-note and gospel traditions. The dropped "g" reflects the local accent.

Notes

Still held in parts of the South, especially in churches and at shape-note conventions. Outside the region it’s less common, though the tradition lives on in bluegrass and folk festivals.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "uh sing-in." The "g" is dropped, making it "singin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "a singin’" always religious?

Traditionally yes - hymns, gospel, or shape-note singing - though some communities use it for secular folk singings too.

What’s the difference between "a singin’" and a choir practice?

"A singin’" is a social or community-wide event, often with multiple churches or families, not just a rehearsal.

Do people still say "going to a singing"?

Yes - though it’s less common among younger generations, the phrase still instantly signals Southern/Appalachian culture.