the house
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "the house" simply means home. Folks use it instead of saying "my house" or "home," as in "let’s head to the house" or "I left it at the house." In older usage, it could also mean the main dwelling (as opposed to outbuildings) or even the outhouse.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Almost everybody refers to their home to 'the house.' Pronunciation
[thuh HOWSS]
Meaning & Usage
- Home (noun, main modern sense)
Mae:
Where you headed now?
Where you headed now?
Earl:
Back to the house.
Back to the house.- The dwelling vs. outbuildings (noun, older sense)
Mae:
Where’s supper?
Where’s supper?
Earl:
In the house, not out here in the barn.
In the house, not out here in the barn.- Bathroom / outhouse (noun, older sense)
Mae:
Where’s little Bobby?
Where’s little Bobby?
Earl:
He’s out back at the house.
He’s out back at the house.★ When somebody says "I’m headin’ to the house," they mean going home - not necessarily a literal house. It’s a way of marking the homeplace as *the* central spot. ★
Origin
From standard English "the house," but in Appalachian and Southern usage it narrowed into meaning "home." Earlier generations also used it to distinguish the main dwelling from barns, smokehouses, or outhouses.
Notes
Still a very common phrase across Appalachia and the South. Outsiders may find it odd to say "the house" instead of "home," but within the region it’s natural and universal.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "thuh house." Drawn out a little when used at the end of a sentence.