Favor

In Southern and Appalachian English, "favor" means to resemble someone in appearance or manner - especially a relative. It’s the regional equivalent of "take after."

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synonyms: take after, resemble, look like, act like

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'favors his daddy' all my life, and it's still common down here.

Pronunciation

[FAY-vur] /ˈfeɪ.vɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- To resemble someone in looks or behavior (verb)

Elmer:

That boy sure favors his daddy.

Estel:

Yep - got his eyes and his grin too.

variations: favors, favoring

★ Think of "favor" as the Southern way to say "take after." It’s about likeness, not permission or kindness. ★

Origin

From older English "favor" meaning "to resemble," preserved in Southern and Appalachian speech. This usage appears in 19th-century American literature and oral histories throughout the South.

Notes

Common across Appalachia and the rural South; less common in mainstream American English today but instantly recognizable regionally.
Often used about family resemblance but can also describe mannerisms - "She favors her mama’s way of talking."
Contrast with mainstream "take after" - this is the regional equivalent.

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Common Questions

Does "favor" mean "like" or "prefer"?

In mainstream English yes, but in Southern/Appalachian speech it also means "to resemble."

Is this usage still current?

Yes - especially in rural areas and among older speakers.

Where did it come from?

Older English preserved by Scots-Irish and other early settlers in the Appalachian South.