In Appalachian & Southern speech, hemhaw means to hesitate, stall, or dodge getting to the point. It’s the regionalized form of the older phrase "hem and haw," reshaped by mountain and Southern pronunciation.
synonyms: stall, beat around the bush, hem and haw, drag one’s feet, hesitate
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We say hemhawin’ when somebody’s draggin’ their feet or won’t quit circlin’ around what they mean. Not quite the same as lollygaggin’.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We say hemhawin’ when somebody’s draggin’ their feet or won’t quit circlin’ around what they mean. Not quite the same as lollygaggin’.
Pronunciation
[HEM-haw]
/ˈhɛm.hɑ/
Meaning & Usage
- To hesitate or delay instead of giving a clear answer (verb)
Waiting on a decision
Mae:
Well? You goin’ or not?
Earl:
I dunno"
Mae:
Don’t just hemhaw around - spit it out.
- To avoid getting to the point while talking (verb)
After a long explanation
Mae:
He hemhawed ’round forever before he finally told me the cost.
variations: hemhawing, hemhawin’
★ "Hemhaw" almost always carries a hint of irritation - like the speaker’s tired of waitin’ on somebody who won’t just give a straight answer. ★
Origin and Etymology
"Hem and haw" appears in American English by the early 19th century, imitating the sounds people make when hesitating. In Appalachian and Southern English, the phrase naturally contracted to "hemhaw," a shorter, sharper form that mirrors regional rhythm and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
"Hemhaw" is widespread across the South and Appalachia, especially in rural areas and older generations. Outside the region, most speakers use the full form "hem and haw," though they typically recognize the shortened regional version when they hear it.
Often used when someone won’t give a clear answer.
The -in’ form ("hemhawin’") is common in everyday conversation.
Less common among younger speakers, but still well understood.
Heard in storytelling, family conversations, and small-town settings.
Is "hemhaw" just Southern pronunciation of "hem and haw"?
Yes - it’s the condensed Appalachian & Southern form of the same idea.
Do people outside the South say it?
They mainly use "hem and haw," not "hemhaw."
Is it still used today?
Very much so, especially in rural communities and among older speakers.
Is "hemhaw" ever positive?
Not usually. It almost always implies mild frustration, impatience, or wasted time rather than anything complimentary.
Can it describe physical hesitation too?
Yes. While often used for speech, it can also describe dragging one’s feet before acting - anything from putting off a chore to slow decision-making.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 24). Hemhaw. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hemhaw
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hemhaw." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hemhaw.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Hemhaw." HillbillySlang.com. November 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hemhaw.
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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...
We say hemhawin’ when somebody’s draggin’ their feet or won’t quit circlin’ around what they mean. Not quite the same as lollygaggin’. 
