Thisaway

Thisaway (also written this-a-way) is a Southern/Appalachian way to say "this way," usually for pointing or giving directions.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #TravelandLocation #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll definitely hear 'thisaway' - usually pronounced ''isaway' out in the country, it's common.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll definitely hear 'thisaway' - usually pronounced ''isaway' out in the country, it's common.

Pronunciation

[THIS-uh-way]
/ˈðɪsəˌweɪ/ (clipped "th": /ˈɪsəˌweɪ/)

Meaning & Usage

- "This way" / In this direction (adverb/adjective)

Papaw:

Fence tools are thisaway, by the shed.

Estel:

Alright - I’m comin’ thisaway now.

variations: this-a-way

★ For titles and slugs use thisaway; in dialogue you can show the hyphenated flavor: this-a-way. ★

Origin and Etymology

From "this way" with a linking vowel sound ("this-a-"), common in older rural American speech. The compact form stuck in Southern and Appalachian talk.

Usage Notes

Often paired with distance bits like "a piece": "Head thisaway a piece, then turn left." Counterpart forms include thataway and yonder-based directions.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "thisaway" mean?

It means "this way," used when pointing or steering someone in a direction close to the speaker.

Is "thisaway" the same as "this-a-way"?

Yes. "This-a-way" is a hyphenated variant that shows the spoken rhythm; both mean the same thing.

How is it pronounced?

Like "THIS-uh-way." In dialect you’ll hear a clipped "th," sounding closer to "ISS-uh-way."

Is it still used today?

Yes-mainly in Southern/Appalachian speech, rural storytelling, and when folks lean into a folksy tone.

How does it differ from "thataway" or "yonder"?

"Thisaway" points toward the speaker’s side; "thataway" points away from the speaker; "yonder" is looser-often "over there," sometimes farther off.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 8). Thisaway. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thisaway
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Thisaway." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thisaway.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Thisaway." HillbillySlang.com. November 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/thisaway.