That’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "that’un" is the dialect form of "that one." It’s how words naturally shorten in everyday talk.
synonyms: that one
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'That’un' is a regularly heard term down here. It's common. Pronunciation
[THAT-un] /ˈðæt.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Dialect form of "that one" (pronoun)
Darlene:
You want this’un or that’un?
You want this’un or that’un?
Willard:
Give me that’un - looks fresher.
Give me that’un - looks fresher.variations: that’n
★ Just like this’un for "this one," that’un keeps conversation easy and natural in Southern/Appalachian speech. ★
Origin
From a contracted form of "that one." Attested in dialect writing since the 19th century. Strongly tied to Southern/Appalachian everyday talk.
Notes
- Usually spelled that’n or that’un when written to show speech.
- Still common in rural talk, rarely written outside of dialect stories.
- Pairs with this’un and which’un.