Ever
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ever" often replaces "every" - as in "ever’body," "ever’thing," or "ever time." It’s one of the most recognizable regional vowel shifts. The word "ever" also carries its standard English meaning of "at any time."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If the young'uns did somethin' they shouldn't, 'ever single one of 'em'll get in trouble. And that's how I'd say it down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If the young'uns did somethin' they shouldn't, 'ever single one of 'em'll get in trouble. And that's how I'd say it down here. Pronunciation
[EV-er]
Meaning & Usage
- Appalachian/Southern use of "ever" for "every" (determiner/pronoun)
Mae:
Did ever’body get a biscuit?
Did ever’body get a biscuit?
Earl:
Yep, there’s one left.
Yep, there’s one left.- Standard English sense: at any time (adverb)
Mae:
You ever been to Nashville?
You ever been to Nashville?
Earl:
No, but I’d like to go.
No, but I’d like to go.variations: every, all, each, at any time, always, ever’body (everybody), ever’thing (everything), ever time (every time)
★ When "ever" replaces "every," it’s almost always clipped in speech - the dropped "y" sound makes it roll faster and plainer. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English *ǣfre* (always). The "every" form developed later from *æfre ælc* (ever each). In Appalachian and Southern speech, the syllable was shortened, leaving "ever" where Standard English kept "every."
Usage Notes
The clipped "ever" for "every" is one of the most distinctive Appalachian and Southern features. It shows up constantly in everyday talk, but rarely outside these regions.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "ev-er." When used for "every," the middle syllable drops: "ever’body," "ever’thing."