everwhich
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "everwhich" is a dialect form meaning "whichever" or "every which." It shows up in everyday talk about choices, directions, or variety.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We all say 'everwhich' instead of 'which ever' and 'every which' all the time. It's common. Pronunciation
[EV-er-wich]
Meaning & Usage
- Means "whichever" or "any one you want" (adjective/pronoun)
Mae:
Which road you takin’?
Which road you takin’?
Earl:
Everwhich one gets me there quickest.
Everwhich one gets me there quickest.- Means "every which way" or "all over" (adverb/dialect)
Mae:
Where’s all the wrenches?
Where’s all the wrenches?
Earl:
They’re everwhich way in the barn.
They’re everwhich way in the barn.other spellings: whichever
★ "Everwhich" is a prime example of how Southern/Appalachian speech blends "every" and "which" or "whichever" into one smooth, practical word. It adds a homespun flavor outsiders almost never use. ★
Origin
From Scots-Irish-influenced English. "Ever" and "which" were combined early in Appalachian speech to form "everwhich" as a catchall for "whichever" or "every which." Documented in oral histories and dialect studies for generations.
Notes
Still used in rural Southern/Appalachian talk, especially among older speakers. Rarely seen in print but instantly recognized by locals. Functions like "whichever" or "every which way" depending on context.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "ever-wich." Often used as "everwhich one," "everwhich way," or "everwhich road."