Ain’t No Count"Ain’t no count" is an Appalachian and Southern saying meaning someone (or something) is worthless, unreliable, or no good. It builds on the word "no count," with "ain’t" adding the punch of everyday speech. Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[AYNY noh-count] Meaning & Usage- Worthless, unreliable (saying)
Mae:
Earl:
other spellings: ain’t worth a lick, ain’t worth a dime, ain’t worth nothin’, and good-for-nothin’ ★ "Ain’t no count" almost always carries judgment - it’s rarely lighthearted. Folks use it when they’ve lost patience with somebody or something. ★ OriginRooted in "no account," an old phrase for worthless. In Appalachia and the South, it slurred to "no count." Adding "ain’t" turned it into a stock saying that rolls off the tongue in daily talk. NotesCommon in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially older generations. Most often said about people ("he ain’t no count"), but can apply to things too ("that truck ain’t no count"). Say It Like a SouthernerSay it quick and plain: "ain’t-nuh-count." The "no" softens and runs straight into "count." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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