Figure
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "figure" commonly means to suppose, expect, or think - not to calculate. It’s everyday family talk for guessing or anticipating something.
synonyms: suppose, expect, think, reckon, allow (dialect)
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Saying 'I figured' is a super-common, everday phrase around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Saying 'I figured' is a super-common, everday phrase around here. Pronunciation
[FIG-yur]
/ˈfɪɡ.jɚ/
/ˈfɪɡ.jɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- To suppose/expect/think (verb, dialect)
Clara:
You figure they’ll make it by suppertime?
You figure they’ll make it by suppertime?
Elmer:
Yeah, I figured so, ’less they stop for gas.
Yeah, I figured so, ’less they stop for gas.- To estimate/calculate (standard sense; less typical in dialect use)
Estel:
I figured the trip at two hours.
I figured the trip at two hours.
Clara:
But we forgot about stoppin’ for supper.
But we forgot about stoppin’ for supper.variations: figger (dialect spelling), figured (past), figuring (progressive)
Origin and Etymology
From general English "figure" (to compute/consider). In Southern/Appalachian speech, the verb broadened in everyday use to mean "suppose/expect/think," likely influenced by conversational verbs like reckon and allow.
Usage Notes
- Southern/Appalachian: figure ≈ "suppose/expect/think" ("I figured you’d call").
- General English: more often "calculate/estimate," though the "suppose" sense is widely understood.
- Common in questions and soft predictions: "You figure"?", "I figured""
- Often overlaps with reckon and allow (dialect "suppose").
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 3). Figure. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/figure
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Figure." HillbillySlang.com, 3 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/figure.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Figure." HillbillySlang.com. October 3, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/figure.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...