Visitin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "visitin’" (sometimes written "visiting") means spending time with people - either by going to see them or just sittin’ and talkin’ together. It’s more than a quick stop; it’s a social call, a spell of shared time and talk.
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern
Most all of use use 'visitin’' - country or town folks. Most all of use use 'visitin’' - country or town folks. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Going to see someone (verb)
Where y’all headin’?Out visitin’ kin over in Tazewell.- Sitting and talking together (verb)
What are y’all up to?Nothin’ - just visitin’.- Making rounds or multiple calls (plural form)
Where’s the pastor today?He’s out doin’ his visitin’s.Origin and Etymology
From "visit," but in Appalachian and Southern speech it took on a richer sense: not just dropping in, but *being with* people. The plural form "visitin’s" followed the same pattern as "sayin’s" and "goings-on."
Usage Notes
Still widely used in Appalachian and Southern talk. Often paired with church life, family gatherings, and porch-sittin’. Outsiders may not catch that "visitin’" means both *going to see* and *just bein’ together.*
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "viz-it-in." The final "g" is dropped - always "visitin’."