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Month of Sundays

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "a month of Sundays" means never, or at least not for a very long time. It’s an exaggerated way of saying something won’t happen anytime soon.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Measurements   #Time   #Southern

Pronunciation

[uh MUHNTH uhv SUHN-deez]

Meaning & Usage

- Never / Not Anytime Soon (idiom)

Work ethic
Mae:
Think he’ll get that field plowed?

Earl:
Not in a month of Sundays.

Personal preference
Ruby:
Would you eat frog legs?

Estel:
Not in a month of Sundays.

variations: a month of Sundays, month of Sundays, not in a month of Sundays
★ When someone says "not in a month of Sundays," don’t take it literally. It’s just a colorful way of saying "never" - though with a smile instead of bitterness. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase goes back to at least the 18th century in Britain, where it was used humorously to mean a ridiculously long time. Appalachia carried it forward, using it in everyday talk and storytelling.

Usage Notes

"A month of Sundays" is still recognized across the U.S., but in Appalachia it keeps a folksy edge. You’ll hear it in jokes, tall tales, and when someone wants to poke fun at how unlikely something is.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "a month of Sundays." Drawn out in a storyteller’s tone, it adds extra weight to the exaggeration.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "a month of Sundays" literally mean 30 Sundays?
No - it’s a figure of speech for a very long time or never.
Is it only Appalachian?
No - it’s found in English worldwide, but Appalachians use it naturally in speech.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - especially older generations and in rural communities.
Can it be playful?
Absolutely - it’s often used with humor, not bitterness.

How to Cite This Page

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 3). Month of Sundays. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/month-of-sundays
  • MLA (9th edition)
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  • Chicago (17th edition)
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