Ainchee
"Ainchee" is a Southern and Appalachian contraction of "ain’t you," heard in relaxed or playful speech. Often used in everyday talk the same way others might say "ain’tcha" or "aren’t you."
synonyms: aren’t you, ain’t you, didn’t you
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say 'ainchee' with that 'ee" sound on the end is more what you'd hear out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say 'ainchee' with that 'ee" sound on the end is more what you'd hear out in the country. Pronunciation
[AIN-chee] or [AIN-chuh]
/ˈeɪn.tʃi/ ~ /ˈeɪn.tʃə/
/ˈeɪn.tʃi/ ~ /ˈeɪn.tʃə/
Meaning & Usage
- Informal contraction of "ain’t you"
Mae:
Ainchee tired after all that mowin’?
Ainchee tired after all that mowin’?
Earl:
Nah, I’m just gettin’ warmed up.
Nah, I’m just gettin’ warmed up.variations: ain’t you, ain’tcha, ain’cha
Origin and Etymology
A natural spoken contraction of "ain’t you," recorded throughout the South and Appalachia since at least the early 1900s. The final "t" in "ain’t" often drops before "you," merging into a soft "ch" sound. Regional vowel shifts give rise to spellings like "ainchee" and "aincha."
Usage Notes
- Used in informal conversation across the South and mountain regions, often as a term of friendly address or mild teasing.
- Common variants include "ain’tcha" and "ain’cha," though "ainchee" better matches Southern vowel sounds.
- Still heard today, especially in rural areas and among older speakers.