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.
I've heard about people 'going to a singin’' since I was a young'un. You don't hear it as much these days.
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)
Talking about Sunday plans
Mae:
Where you headed?
Earl:
We’re goin’ to a singin’ over at Pleasant Hill Church.
variations: going to a singing, singing convention, 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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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’."
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...
I've heard about people 'going to a singin’' since I was a young'un. You don't hear it as much these days. 
