reckon

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "reckon" can mean to guess, to think, or to be certain - the meaning depends on tone, context, and inflection.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Reckon' is definitely somethin' you'd hear at the down th'local Walmarks.

Pronunciation

[REH-kun]

Meaning & Usage

- Guess (verb)

Elmer:

He ever comin' back?

Estel:

Well. I reckon.

- Think (verb)

Elmer:

Reckon he'll be real mad f'he does?

Estel:

Aww, hard t'say.

- Absolutely Certain (verb)

Elmer:

An' I reckon somebody'll leave here with a pump knot on their head.

Estel:

You got that right.

★ The more serious the tone, the stronger the meaning - "I reckon" can go from casual agreement to a firm declaration. ★

Origin

From Middle English "reknen" and Old English "gerecenian," meaning to explain, relate, or account for. The modern sense of "suppose" or "believe" came from British English, carried to the American South by settlers, and remains common in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Notes

In the UK, "reckon" can sound more formal, while in the American South it’s everyday speech. Its meaning depends heavily on inflection: a slow, drawn-out "I reckon" often means uncertainty, while a quick, firm one signals certainty.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Afterwhile

Common Questions

Is "reckon" a British word?

Yes - "reckon" is used in both British and American English. In the UK, it often sounds more formal, while in the US South it’s casual, everyday speech.

Why do Southerners say "I reckon"?

It’s a traditional way of meaning "I think," "I guess," "I’m sure," or "I suppose." The phrase comes from older British English, brought to the American South by early settlers, and has stayed common in Southern speech while fading elsewhere.

Can "reckon" mean "calculate" or "figure out"?

Yes - especially in older or more formal contexts. You might hear "I reckon the cost will be..." in both the South and in British English.