agin
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "agin" is the dialect pronunciation of "against." It can mean opposed to something or leaning against an object, just like the standard word.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heard 'agin' all the time growin' up - but only sometimes nowadays. Pronunciation
[uh-GIN]
Meaning & Usage
- Opposed to (preposition, dialect)
Mae:
You for it or agin it?
You for it or agin it?
Earl:
I’m agin it, that’s for sure.
I’m agin it, that’s for sure.- Leaning on or against (preposition, dialect)
Mae:
Where’s he restin’?
Where’s he restin’?
Earl:
Just standin’ agin the post.
Just standin’ agin the post.other spellings: against, oppose, lean on, agin the law, leaned agin the barn, and he’s agin it from the start
★ "Agin" has been around in English for centuries, but it held on strongest in the South and Appalachia. It’s one of those little words that instantly marks country speech. ★
Origin
From Old English "ongegn," meaning opposite or facing. Over time, dialects shortened and softened it. In Southern and Appalachian speech, the final "st" dropped, leaving "agin."
Notes
Still heard in rural Southern and Appalachian talk, especially among older generations. Outside the region, it’s rare and often used only in folk songs or to mimic country speech.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "uh-gin." The "a-" is quick and soft, and the "st" at the end drops away.