In Southern and Appalachian speech, "a fur piece" means a long way or a far distance. The phrase comes from the dialect pronunciation of "far" as "fur," turning a plain idea into a folksy country expression.
I'd call 'fur piece' a relic. People do say it, but it's a nod to the past.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd call 'fur piece' a relic. People do say it, but it's a nod to the past.
Pronunciation
[FUR pees]
Meaning & Usage
- A long way (noun phrase, figurative)
Asking directions
Mae:
How far’s the store?
Earl:
Oh, it’s a fur piece from here.
variations: far piece
★ "A fur piece" is more about feeling than exact miles. It means "far enough you oughta think twice before walkin’." ★
Origin and Etymology
From the Southern/Appalachian pronunciation of "far" as "fur." By the 1800s, "fur piece" was a common way of measuring distance in rural talk. It carried over into storytelling and casual speech.
Usage Notes
Still common among older Southerners and mountain folk. Rare outside the South/Appalachia, where it often sounds quaint or unfamiliar.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "fur piece." The "far" shifts to "fur" in Southern/Appalachian talk.
No - it’s the natural dialect sound of "far" in Southern/Appalachian speech.
Do people still say it today?
Yes, mostly older folks, though it’s still recognized as a country phrase.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Fur Piece. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fur-piece
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fur Piece." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fur-piece.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Fur Piece." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fur-piece.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
I'd call 'fur piece' a relic. People do say it, but it's a nod to the past.