Yon

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "yon" is a demonstrative meaning "that" or "over there." It’s a rare but authentic survival from older English, closely related to "yonder."

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synonyms: yonder, over there, that place

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'yon,' but only out in the country, and only old timers.

Pronunciation

[YON] /jɒn/

Meaning & Usage

- That / Over There (demonstrative adjective or pronoun)

Mae:

Fetch that pail from yon shelf.

Earl:

Got it.

variations: over yon, back yon, yon place

★ "Yon" comes straight from Old English and Scots-Irish speech. In the South and Appalachia it’s mostly heard in older or rural communities and often paired with "back" or "over." ★

Origin

From Old English "geon" meaning "over there." Settlers from Scotland and Ireland brought it to Appalachia, where it survived in forms like "back yon" and "over yon" alongside "yonder."

Notes

Still occasionally heard in rural Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it may sound archaic but is easily understood thanks to "yonder."

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often "over yon" or "back yon" in relaxed speech. Used the same way as "yonder" to point out a place or thing.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Does "yon" mean the same as "yonder"?

Nearly - "yon" is shorter and older, while "yonder" became more common.

Is "yon" still used today?

Rarely - but it’s recognized in rural Southern/Appalachian speech and older writings.

Can I use "yon" in a sentence?

Yes - try "over yon," "back yon," or simply "yon" before a noun ("yon hill").