want for

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "want for" means "to lack" or "to be in need of." Saying "he don’t want for anything" means "he has all he needs (and probably much of what he wants)."

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll hear phrases like, 'he don’t want for anything,' it's common around here.

Pronunciation

[WAWNT fer] /wɔːnt fɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- To lack or be in need of (verb phrase)

Mae:

Does he need anything?

Earl:

No, he don’t want for nothin’ - he’s set.

- To be fully supplied or provided (verb phrase)

Mae:

That pantry’s full!

Earl:

Yep - they won’t want for food this winter.

variations: doesn’t lack, needs nothing, not short of

★ In Southern/Appalachian speech, "want" can still mean "lack" in older English fashion. "Want for" is a classic construction meaning "to be in need of." Flip it negative - "don’t want for" - and you’ve got "has everything they need." ★

Origin

"Want" meaning "lack" is centuries old in English. Appalachian and Southern speech preserved "want for" long after it faded elsewhere. Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as South and South Midland.

Notes

Still heard today in rural Southern speech, especially among older generations and in church or Bible-influenced phrasing ("they shall not want"). Outside the region it’s understood but sounds old-fashioned.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "don’t want for" = "doesn’t lack." The "for" is light, almost swallowed.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "want for" mean "desire"?

No - here it means "lack" or "need."

Do people still say this today?

Yes - especially older speakers and in rural communities.

Is it unique to Appalachia?

Strongest in the South and Appalachia, but historically used across English.