Cannin’ (Canning)

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "cannin’" means preserving food in jars - vegetables, fruits, jams, and even meats - usually at home. It’s both an act of self-reliance and a seasonal ritual woven into rural life.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Southern #FarmTalk

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We was 'cannin’' stuff growin' up, and we still do. Not everbody does, but it's common.

Pronunciation

[KAN-in]

Meaning & Usage

- The act of preserving food in jars (noun/verb)

Mae:

What’s y’all doin’ Saturday?

Earl:

We’re cannin’ green beans.

- A seasonal family or community event (noun)

Mae:

You comin’ to the cannin’ at Aunt Sue’s?

Earl:

Wouldn’t miss it - she makes the best chow-chow.

variations: canning

★ In the South and Appalachia, "cannin’" isn’t just a kitchen task - it’s a tradition of self-sufficiency and community. Families pass down recipes and techniques, and "puttin’ up" food is a way of life tied to the rhythm of the garden. ★

Origin

Home canning became common in the 19th century as jars and pressure canners became affordable. In Appalachia and the rural South, "cannin’" was essential for surviving winters without store-bought goods. Folklorists recorded "cannin’ bees" and "puttin’ up" parties as part of Southern culture.

Notes

Still practiced widely in rural communities, farmers markets, and homesteading circles. Outsiders may say "canning," but "cannin’" with a dropped "g" marks it as Southern/Appalachian speech.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "cannin’." The "g" is dropped in true Southern style.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "cannin’" only Southern?

People can everywhere, but the communal, ritual aspect of "cannin’" is especially strong in the South and Appalachia.

What kinds of food are canned?

Beans, tomatoes, jams, pickles, meats, soups, and more - anything to store through the winter.

Why drop the "g"?

The dropped "g" ("cannin’") is a hallmark of Southern/Appalachian speech patterns.