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."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use the phrase 'might could' without even noticin' - it's common everwhere down here. 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?
Do you reckon you’ll have time to fix that gate?
Earl:
I might could, if it don’t rain.
I might could, if it don’t rain.- Hesitant permission (phrase)
Child:
Can we go swimmin’ at the creek?
Can we go swimmin’ at the creek?
Mama:
Well, you might could - if your chores are done.
Well, you might could - if your chores are done.variations: might can, might would, might should, could maybe, 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 and Etymology
"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.
Usage 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.