Whenevern

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Whenevern" means "whenever" - used either for time ("at whatever time") or as an intensifier ("every time that"").

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Whenevern' is more regional and old timers. It's one that I'm pretty sure I've heard, but it's hard to call.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Whenevern' is more regional and old timers. It's one that I'm pretty sure I've heard, but it's hard to call.

Pronunciation

[WHEN-ever-n] /ˈwɛnˌɛvɚn/

Meaning & Usage

- At whatever time (temporal) (conjunction)

Mae:

When can I drop off the pie?

Earl:

Whenevern you’re ready.

- Every time / whenever it happens (habitual) (conjunction)

Martha:

He’d smile whenevern he saw me.

variations: Whenever, If’n (related dialect form), When All, Any Time

★ Adding "-n" to words like "whenever" (to make "whenevern") is common in Appalachian and Southern speech. It gives the phrase a folksy feel and sometimes adds emphasis or habitual meaning ("each time" instead of "at some time"). ★

Origin and Etymology

From older Scots-Irish and British dialect forms that added "-n" to adverbs and conjunctions ("if’n," "whenevern"). This form persisted in Southern and Appalachian English long after disappearing from standard usage.

Usage Notes

Still heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it’s rare and usually perceived as folksy or humorous.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "whenevern" - adds a little "n" sound to "whenever," often said as one quick word in everyday speech.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "whenevern" wrong?

In standard English yes, but in dialect it’s authentic with deep historical roots.

Does "whenevern" mean the same as "whenever"?

Yes, but it can also mean "every time that" with a habitual sense.

Is it still used today?

Yes - though less common among younger speakers, it remains familiar in rural speech and storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Whenevern. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whenevern
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Whenevern." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whenevern.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Whenevern." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whenevern.

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