Ain’t Hardly Any
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ain’t hardly any" (or "not hardly any") means "there’s very little" or "almost none." It’s a hallmark nonstandard construction showing how negatives and "hardly" combine for emphasis.
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It it's about out, maybe even only the dregs left, you might say 'ain’t hardly any left' in the bag. Commonplace. It it's about out, maybe even only the dregs left, you might say 'ain’t hardly any left' in the bag. Commonplace. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- To emphasize very little or almost none (folk construction)
Is there still coffee?Ain’t hardly any left - maybe one swallow.- To emphasize little progress or closeness (folk construction)
We closer than before?Ain’t hardly any closer at all.Origin and Etymology
Derived from older British English patterns where "not" was paired with "hardly." Brought to Appalachia by Scots-Irish settlers and preserved in mountain and rural speech long after it faded elsewhere.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially in informal speech. Outside the region it’s recognized as "country talk" but rare in spontaneous usage.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it casual: "Ain’t hardly any." The double-negative rhythm makes it sound emphatic and down-home.