In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ways" is a dialect measure of distance, used in phrases like "a good ways," "a fur ways," or "some ways" to mean "a fair distance" or "quite a stretch."
If you ask a local how close you are to a landmark, you're likely to get, 'it’s a good ways off,' it's commonly said here.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you ask a local how close you are to a landmark, you're likely to get, 'it’s a good ways off,' it's commonly said here.
Pronunciation
[WAYZ]
Meaning & Usage
- Measure of distance (noun/dialect)
Talking about town
Mae:
Is it close?
Earl:
No ma’am, it’s a good ways off.
- Indefinite stretch, farther than expected (figurative)
Describing a trail
Mae:
How far to the overlook?
Earl:
Oh, you got a ways to go yet.
variations: a good ways
★ Using "ways" instead of "way" is a hallmark of Southern/Appalachian speech. It turns an indefinite distance into a more colorful, flexible measure - part of a whole system with "piece," "fur piece," and "good spell." ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle and Early Modern English where "ways" functioned as an adverb ("a long ways" = "a long way"). In rural Southern/Appalachian speech the plural form survived into modern times as an everyday distance measure.
Usage Notes
Still common in rural Southern/Appalachian talk ("It’s a good ways off"). Rare in formal English but deeply embedded in oral directions and storytelling.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "ways." Most often paired with "good," "long," "fur," or "little" - as in "a good ways," "a long ways," or "a fur ways off."
In standard English you’d say "a long way," but Southern/Appalachian dialect keeps the older plural "ways."
Does it mean miles?
Not exactly - it’s an indefinite distance, like "a stretch."
Do people still use it today?
Yes - especially older Southerners and in rural speech.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 27). Ways. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ways
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Ways." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ways.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Ways." HillbillySlang.com. September 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/ways.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
If you ask a local how close you are to a landmark, you're likely to get, 'it’s a good ways off,' it's commonly said here. 
