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).

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

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.

Earl:

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."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "winder" a different thing than a window?

No - it’s just the regional pronunciation.

Do people outside the South say it this way?

Rarely. "Winder" is mostly Southern and Appalachian.

Is "winder" considered wrong?

In formal English, yes. But in local dialect, it’s authentic and natural.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 16). Winder. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/winder
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Winder." HillbillySlang.com, 16 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/winder.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Winder." HillbillySlang.com. September 16, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/winder.

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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...