couple three

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "couple three" means "two or three" or simply "a few." It’s a casual way of approximating a small number, often heard in rural talk.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

"We stayed over at Aunt Sue’s for a couple three days after the fair."

Pronunciation

[KUP-ul THREE]

Meaning & Usage

- Two or three; a few (dialect numeric expression)

Mae:

How long y’all staying?

Earl:

Oh, just a couple three nights.

other spellings: two or three, and a few

★ "Couple three" is part of a regional pattern of number stacking ("couple two-three") influenced by Scots-Irish and German speech in Appalachia and the South Midland. It signals an approximate count, not a literal number. ★

Origin

Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English and Appalachian dialect studies. Related forms are found in Pennsylvania Dutch English and the rural Midwest, but it’s especially common in Southern/Appalachian speech.

Notes

Still heard among older Southerners and in rural communities. Outside the region it’s rare and may puzzle listeners, but it’s instantly recognizable to locals.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "a couple three" - typically in phrases like "a couple three days" or "a couple three times."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does it literally mean five or six?

No - it’s an informal way of saying "two or three" or "a few."

Is it uniquely Southern?

Strongest in Southern/Appalachian and South Midland speech; also appears in some Midwestern rural areas.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially older speakers and in casual storytelling.