Which’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "which’un" is the dialect form of "which one." A natural contraction that keeps talk smooth and quick.
synonyms: which one
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say that 'which’un' is a little bit more old timers that 'this'un' and 'that'un', and more out in the country. Pronunciation
[WICH-un] /ˈwɪʧ.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Dialect form of "which one" (pronoun)
Ruth:
Which’un of these hounds is yours?
Which’un of these hounds is yours?
Frank:
That’un there’s mine.
That’un there’s mine.variations: which’n
★ When paired with this’un and that’un, which’un shows a full pattern of Southern/Appalachian contractions for everyday speech. ★
Origin
From a contracted form of "which one." Appears in dialect records of Southern/Appalachian English from the 19th century onward.
Notes
- Often written which’n or which’un to reflect how it’s said.
- Still heard in rural conversation, not common in formal writing.
- Pairs with this’un and that’un in the same speech pattern.