Thang

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "thang" is the local pronunciation of "thing." It’s often used playfully or affectionately, showing how everyday words take on a little extra flavor in mountain talk.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

Sometimes I say 'thang' and somethings I say 'thaaaaaaang'. But never 'thing'. 'Thang' is what you'll hear around town.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Sometimes I say 'thang' and somethings I say 'thaaaaaaang'. But never 'thing'. 'Thang' is what you'll hear around town.

Pronunciation

[THANG]

Meaning & Usage

- Thing / Object (noun)

Earl:

Hand me that thang off the shelf.

- Affectionate or Playful (noun)

Mae:

Ain’t she the prettiest little thang?

variations: thang, thing, thank (phonetic confusion)

★ If someone calls you a "sweet thang," they mean it kindly. In Southern talk, "thang" adds charm and warmth where "thing" would sound plain. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the standard English word "thing." In Appalachian and Southern dialects, vowel shifts often turn the short "i" sound into a broader "a," producing "thang."

Usage Notes

"Thang" is widely recognized in Southern speech, music, and pop culture. In Appalachia, it’s more natural than deliberate - folks just say it that way.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say "thing," but let the vowel stretch out into a broad "a," rhyming with "fang." The "g" is soft and quick, sometimes almost dropped.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "thang" a real word?

It’s not formal English, but it’s a well-established spelling for the Southern pronunciation of "thing."

Is it used seriously or just playfully?

Both - it can be casual ("that thang over there") or affectionate ("sweet thang").

Do people spell it "thang"?

Yes - especially in songs, stories, or online, to show dialect flavor.

Is it only Appalachian?

No - it’s heard all across the South and beyond, though Appalachia has its own share of "thangs."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 20). Thang. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thang
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Thang." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thang.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Thang." HillbillySlang.com. August 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thang.