Thataway
Thataway (also written that-a-way) is a Southern/Appalachian way to say "that way," used when pointing out a direction.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Thataway' - usually heard as ''ataway' - is common out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Thataway' - usually heard as ''ataway' - is common out in the country. Pronunciation
[THAT-uh-way]
/ˈðætəˌweɪ/ (clipped "th": /ˈætəˌweɪ/)
/ˈðætəˌweɪ/ (clipped "th": /ˈætəˌweɪ/)
Meaning & Usage
- "That way" / In that direction (adverb/adjective)
Mamaw:
Storm’s rollin’ in from thataway.
Storm’s rollin’ in from thataway.
Papaw:
Reckon we’d best cover the hay.
Reckon we’d best cover the hay.★ Use thataway for titles and slugs; in dialogue you can show the hyphenated flavor: that-a-way. It pairs naturally with distance bits like "a piece." ★
Origin and Etymology
Built from "that way" with a linking vowel ("that-a-"), common in older rural American speech. The compact form persisted in Southern/Appalachian talk (and shows up in Western/cowboy speech, too).
Usage Notes
Often paired with landmarks: "on thataway side of the ridge," "head thataway a piece and turn left." Sister forms include thisaway and yonder.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 8). Thataway. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thataway
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Thataway." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thataway.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Thataway." HillbillySlang.com. October 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thataway.
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