  Ain’t That RightIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Ain’t that right?" (often heard as "Ain’t t’at right?") is a conversational tag meaning "Isn’t that true?" It’s a way of asking for agreement, more rhetorical than literal. Hillbilly Dude Says...  This one is common around here. Usually comes out closer to 'ain’t t’at right?' My Momma used to say, 'ain't t'at right, Miss Mull?' in a deep gruff voice - mimicking the host from an old radio show. Pronunciation[ayn’t TAT rahyt] Meaning & Usage- Seeking agreement / rhetorical tag (phrase)
Mae:
These taters taste better’n any you’ll buy in town - ain’t that right?
Earl:
That’s the truth.other spellings: ain’t t’at right, ain’t that so, right?, don’t you think?, and you know? ★ This phrase is less a real question than a verbal nudge. It’s a way of pulling you into agreement - sometimes with a wink, sometimes with authority. ★ OriginBuilt from the standard English "Isn’t that right?" Appalachian speech replaces "isn’t" with "ain’t" and often clips "that" to "t’at." The form is widespread in Southern and Appalachian oral tradition, where rhetorical questions help rhythm storytelling. Notes"Ain’t that right?" is used across Appalachia and the South in casual talk, sermons, and storytelling. Outsiders may hear it as seeking confirmation, but locals know it’s often just a way of punctuating speech or drawing in listeners. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it quick, with the "th" in "that" often clipped to a "t" sound: "Ain’t t’at right?" It’s less about seeking an answer and more about sealing the point you just made. | 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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