Whileago
In Appalachian speech, "whileago" means "a while ago" - referring to something that happened recently. The words run together in casual mountain talk until they sound like one.
Pronunciation
[WILE-uh-go] or [WAL-uh-go]
Meaning & Usage
- Recently / Not Long Ago (adverb phrase)
Mae:
When’d you see him last?
When’d you see him last?
Ruby:
Oh, just a whileago.
Oh, just a whileago.
Earl:
You eat yet?
You eat yet?
Estel:
Yeah, I et a biscuit whileago.
Yeah, I et a biscuit whileago.variations: awhileago, whileago, a while ago, while ago, whilago (dialect spelling)
★ "Whileago" is looser than a specific time. It just means "recently" - whether that’s five minutes ago or a few hours ago. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the phrase "a while ago," used in English for centuries. In Appalachian and Southern speech, the words blurred into one, creating the distinct local form "whileago."
Usage Notes
Common in Appalachian talk and rural Southern English. In writing, it’s usually spelled "a while ago," but "whileago" shows the true spoken sound. Younger speakers still use it, keeping the old rhythm alive.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say "a while ago" fast, and the "a" drops out. In mountain speech, it blends into one word: "whileago."