Outnabout
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "outnabout" means being away from home - out running errands, visiting, or just not around.
Pronunciation
[OUT-n-uh-bout]
Meaning & Usage
- Not at home
Elmer:
You seen Estel today?
You seen Estel today?
Clara:
Nope, he’s outnabout.
Nope, he’s outnabout.- Busy and away
Elmer:
Where’s your mama?
Where’s your mama?
Clara:
Outnabout - probably pickin’ up groceries and stoppin’ by the post office.
Outnabout - probably pickin’ up groceries and stoppin’ by the post office.variations: out and about, out ’n’ about, out-n-about
★ If someone’s outnabout, you probably won’t catch ’em sittin’ still - they’re on the move. ★
Origin
A contracted form of "out and about," found in rural Southern and Appalachian dialects, often run together in quick speech.
Notes
Usually informal - describes someone being out for a variety of reasons, from social visits to chores.