Yeller
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "yeller" is the dialect form of "yellow." The ending shifts from "-ow" to "-er," a common mountain pronunciation pattern.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is another common one with old timers around here. If I say 'yeller', I'm being silly. But I do say it sometimes. Hillbilly Dude Says...
This is another common one with old timers around here. If I say 'yeller', I'm being silly. But I do say it sometimes. Pronunciation
[YEL-er]
Meaning & Usage
- The color yellow (adjective)
Mae:
Them daisies are bright yeller this year.
Them daisies are bright yeller this year.
Earl:
Prettiest patch we’ve had.
Prettiest patch we’ve had.- Yellow-colored animal (esp. dog) (adjective)
Mae:
Whose yeller hound is that?
Whose yeller hound is that?
Earl:
Reckon it’s the Johnsons’ dog.
Reckon it’s the Johnsons’ dog.variations: yellow, yaller, yaller-hided (variant phrase), gold-colored, blond, fair-haired
★ "Yeller dog" is one of the most famous uses - so much so it shows up in stories and ballads. It’s one of the most recognizable Appalachian pronunciations. ★
Origin and Etymology
From English "yellow." In Appalachian and Southern speech, the "-ow" ending shifted to "-er," producing forms like "yeller" or "yaller." The change reflects broader sound patterns in mountain dialect.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachia and the South, especially with animals, flowers, or hair color. "Yeller" and "yaller" both appear in mountain talk, often used interchangeably.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it quick: "yeller." Drop the "-ow" and finish with "-er."