Swaller
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "swaller" is the natural pronunciation of "swallow." It can mean gulping food or drink - or the small bird often seen darting through fields and barns.
Pronunciation
[SWAH-ler]
Meaning & Usage
- To swallow food or drink (verb)
Mae:
Don’t swaller so fast, you’ll choke.
Don’t swaller so fast, you’ll choke.
Earl:
I was thirsty as all get out.
I was thirsty as all get out.- A gulp or sip (noun)
Mae:
Take a swaller of this sweet tea.
Take a swaller of this sweet tea.
Earl:
Hits the spot.
Hits the spot.- The bird "swallow" (noun)
Mae:
Look at them swallers swoopin’ low over the field.
Look at them swallers swoopin’ low over the field.
Earl:
Means it’s gonna rain.
Means it’s gonna rain.variations: swallow (verb), swallow (bird), gulp, sip, "take a swaller", barn swaller, chimney swaller
★ "Swaller" can mean to gulp something down or refer to the little birds darting through the sky. Context tells you which one’s meant. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "swallow." In Appalachian and Southern speech, the "-ow" vowel often flattens to "-ah" or "-er," producing "swaller." Applied both to the act of swallowing and the bird.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachia and the South. "Take a swaller" is everyday talk, while "barn swallers" or "chimney swallers" show how the bird sense lives on in rural life.
Say It Like a Southerner
The "-ow" in swallow shifts to "-ah," giving it a softer, rounder sound: "swah-ler."