might could

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "might could" is a common double modal. It softens a statement - meaning "maybe I could" or "I might be able to."

#Appalachia

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I use the phrase 'might could' without even noticin' - it's common everwhere down here.

Pronunciation

[maht COOD]

Meaning & Usage

- Possibility / polite offer (phrase)

Mae:

Do you reckon you’ll have time to fix that gate?

Earl:

I might could, if it don’t rain.

- Hesitant permission (phrase)

Child:

Can we go swimmin’ at the creek?

Mama:

Well, you might could - if your chores are done.

other spellings: might can, might would, might should, could maybe, and possibly could

★ "Might could" isn’t bad grammar - it’s Appalachian grammar. Double modals stack to add nuance, softening a statement in ways standard English can’t. ★

Origin

"Might could" comes from Scots-Irish speech brought into the Southern mountains. Linguists note that double modals like this are rare in English worldwide but thrive in Appalachian and Southern dialects.

Notes

Still common in Appalachia and the South. Outsiders often find it odd, but locals hear it as polite and natural. Related forms include "might can" and "might would."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "might-could." The words run together, with "might" just hinting possibility and "could" carrying the weight.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "might could" bad grammar?

Not at all - it’s a recognized feature of Appalachian and Southern English.

What does it really mean?

Usually "maybe I could" or "it’s possible."

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially in Appalachia, Texas, and across the South.