Wherebouts
In Southern and Appalachian speech, wherebouts means where or in what place. It’s a clipped form of "whereabouts," used especially in casual talk when asking about someone’s location or origin.
synonyms: where, in what place, around where
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I used 'wherebouts' on a regular basis, and I definitely hear it out in the country down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I used 'wherebouts' on a regular basis, and I definitely hear it out in the country down here. Pronunciation
[WAIR-bouts]
/ˈwɛər.baʊts/
/ˈwɛər.baʊts/
Meaning & Usage
- Where; in what place (adverb)
Hank:
Wherebouts in Kentucky did you say you worked?
Wherebouts in Kentucky did you say you worked?
Etta:
Down near London - over by the old feed store.
Down near London - over by the old feed store.variations: whereabouts
★ If someone asks "Wherebouts?" without the rest of the sentence, they’re just askin’ *where*. The meaning’s the same - the drawl just saves a syllable. ★
Origin and Etymology
Derived from the standard English word "whereabouts," which has been used since the 14th century. The clipped form "wherebouts" became common in rural Southern and Appalachian dialects as a natural sound simplification, reflecting the region’s conversational ease and vowel smoothing.
Usage Notes
"Wherebouts" is an easygoing regionalism that softens speech and adds warmth. It’s still widely heard in rural Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and neighboring areas. While informal, it’s perfectly clear in meaning and deeply rooted in oral tradition.