In Appalachian and Southern speech, "we’s" is a nonstandard contraction meaning "we was," not "we is." It shows up in casual talk and older dialect, reflecting traditional rural grammar patterns.
If you grew up here, you often use 'we’s' instead of 'we were'. Sometimes unhillbillies think it means 'we is,' but really it's just 'we was' even more countrified.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you grew up here, you often use 'we’s' instead of 'we were'. Sometimes unhillbillies think it means 'we is,' but really it's just 'we was' even more countrified.
Pronunciation
[WEEZ]
Meaning & Usage
- Contraction of "we was" (past tense) (pronoun + verb)
Storytelling
Mae:
Where y’all at yesterday?
Earl:
We’s down at the swimming hole.
- Misheard as "we is" by outsiders (note)
Explaining the grammar
Mae:
They think we said ‘we is,’ but we’s just means ‘we was.’
variations: we was
★ This is a great example of how Southern/Appalachian speech bends English grammar in ways that outsiders misread. It’s not "wrong" - it’s a living dialect. ★
Origin and Etymology
Developed naturally in rural English influenced by Scots-Irish grammar. "We was" became "we’s" in quick speech, especially in storytelling and family talk. Documented in Southern/Appalachian oral histories for over a century.
Usage Notes
Still heard among older speakers or in playful country talk. Less common among younger Southerners but instantly recognizable as regional dialect.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "weez." Functions like "we was," especially in past-tense storytelling.
In authentic Southern/Appalachian speech, no - it’s a contraction of "we was."
Is it still used today?
Mostly by older speakers or when leaning into a country voice.
Why use it?
It’s natural dialect shorthand, part of the rhythm and style of Southern/Appalachian storytelling.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 13). We’s. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/wes
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "We’s." HillbillySlang.com, 13 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/wes.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "We’s." HillbillySlang.com. September 13, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/wes.
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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 grew up here, you often use 'we’s' instead of 'we were'. Sometimes unhillbillies think it means 'we is,' but really it's just 'we was' even more countrified. 
