Piece
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "piece" is used to mean "a stretch" or "a distance" - often in phrases like "a fur piece" or "a little piece" when talking about how far something is. It’s a way of measuring travel without numbers.
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I've heard 'piece' all my life, but it's more of an old timers one nowadays. I've heard 'piece' all my life, but it's more of an old timers one nowadays. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- A distance or stretch of travel (noun/dialect)
How far to the next gas station?Oh, just a piece down the road.- Indefinite measure, usually longer than a quick walk (figurative)
Is it close?Nah, it’s a fur piece from here.Origin and Etymology
From older English usage of "piece" to mean "portion" or "part." In rural Southern/Appalachian dialects it broadened to "a portion of distance" - first recorded in 19th-century travel writing and still used today.
Usage Notes
Still common in rural Southern/Appalachian talk ("It’s a good piece down the road"). Outsiders rarely use "piece" this way unless imitating country talk.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "piece." Often combined: "a fur piece," "a little piece," "a good piece."