ahold
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "ahold" means "a hold of" or "to grab / get hold of" something. It’s an older English form still common in rural talk and family sayings.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We use 'ahold' if we're talking about contacting someone, or if we grab something. This one is commonplace. Pronunciation
[uh-HOHLD] /əˈhoʊld/
Meaning & Usage
- To grab or grasp something (verb phrase)
Mae:
How’d you get it unstuck?
How’d you get it unstuck?
Earl:
Just took ahold of it and yanked.
Just took ahold of it and yanked.- To contact or reach someone (verb phrase)
Mae:
Did you talk to him?
Did you talk to him?
Earl:
Not yet-I’ll get ahold of him later.
Not yet-I’ll get ahold of him later.variations: get a hold, grab hold, take hold, lay hold of
★ "Ahold" blends the older English "a" prefix with "hold" (as in "lay hold of"). Southern/Appalachian speech kept it as one word long after it faded elsewhere. You’ll also see "aholt" as a dialectal pronunciation. ★
Origin
Recorded in the Dictionary of American Regional English as especially common in the South, South Midland, and Ozarks. Reflects older English usage where "a" + verb formed a participial phrase ("a-running," "a-going").
Notes
Still heard today in rural and older speakers’ talk. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is readily understood. Common phrases include "take ahold of," "get ahold of," and "grab ahold of."
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "took ahold" = "took ’aholt" in some dialects. You’ll also hear "get ahold" or "got ahold."