spell

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "spell" means a short period of time. Folks use it to talk about sittin’, visitin’, or weather: "Stay for a spell," "It’s cold out for a spell."

#Appalachia #Speech&Expressions #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If it's been cold in the mornin's lately, you might say 'we really had a cold spell.'

Pronunciation

[SPEL]

Meaning & Usage

- A short time, a while (noun)

Mae:

You stayin’ long?

Earl:

Just a spell.

- A stretch of weather or condition (noun)

Mae:

We had a cold spell last week.

other spellings: short time, little while, bit, period, stretch, for a spell, and a long spell

★ "Spell" in this sense nearly always means *a while* or *a stretch* - not a magic charm. The meaning depends on context. ★

Origin

From Old English *spell* (a story, saying). By the 1500s, it developed the sense of "a turn" or "a period of time." That older use faded from most English but stayed alive in Appalachian and Southern speech.

Notes

Still common in Appalachia and the South. Outside these regions, people may understand "cold spell" but rarely use "spell" by itself to mean "a while."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "spel." Quick and clipped, just like it looks.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "spell" a Southern word?

The time-related meaning is strongest in Appalachian and Southern speech, though "cold spell" is understood nationally.

Does it mean magic too?

Yes, in another context. But regionally, "for a spell" always means "for a while."

Do people still say it?

Absolutely - especially older folks, but it’s still common in everyday Appalachian and Southern talk.