backerds
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "backerds" (or "back’ards") is the dialect form of "backwards," meaning in reverse or the opposite direction. It’s a classic pronunciation that shows up in storytelling and everyday talk.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Doesn't matter how much I concentrate on my accents, it most always comes out 'backerds' - and it's common down here. Pronunciation
[BACK-urds] or [BACK-erdz]
Meaning & Usage
- In reverse or the opposite direction (adverb/adjective)
Mae:
You sure you got that set right?
You sure you got that set right?
Earl:
Yeah - unless I put it in backerds again.
Yeah - unless I put it in backerds again.- Figurative: not the usual way (adverb/adjective)
Mae:
They do things different up there.
They do things different up there.
Earl:
Yep - feels a little backerds to me.
Yep - feels a little backerds to me.variations: backwards, back’ards, the wrong way, reverse
★ "Backerds" is one of the most recognizable old-time pronunciations in Southern/Appalachian speech. Writers often use it to give dialogue a mountain flavor. ★
Origin
A long-standing dialect form of "backwards" in British and American English. Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as chiefly South Midland and Appalachia. Preserves older speech patterns brought by Scots-Irish settlers.
Notes
Still heard among older generations and in intentional storytelling. Outside the South/Appalachia it’s mostly seen in dialect writing or humor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it easy: "backerds." The middle syllable drops and the "w" disappears, giving it that mountain lilt.