Winder
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "winder" is the common pronunciation of "window." The "ow" sound shifts to "er," following the same pattern as "piller" (pillow) and "feller" (fellow).
synonyms: wind’r
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'winder' all my life. More out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'winder' all my life. More out in the country. Pronunciation
[WIN-der]
Meaning & Usage
- An opening in a wall with glass for light or air (noun)
Mae:
It’s hot in here.
It’s hot in here.
Earl:
Then raise that winder a notch.
Then raise that winder a notch.variations: wind’r
★ "Winder" is one of the most iconic Appalachian/Southern pronunciations - often mentioned in jokes or songs, but it’s simply everyday speech in the region. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old Norse *vindauga* (literally "wind eye"). Standard English settled on "window," but Appalachian and Southern vowel shifts turned it into "winder."
Usage Notes
Still widely heard across Appalachia and the South. Outside these regions, "winder" is recognized as dialect speech but not commonly used.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "win-der." The "ow" in "window" flattens out, turning into "er."