Aways Ago

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "aways ago" means a while ago or a long time back. It’s a regional variation that compresses "a while ago" into a shorter, more natural phrase.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #Southern

synonyms: a while ago, some time back, long ago

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard and said 'aways ago' all my life, it's a common one out in the country.

Pronunciation

[uh-WAYZ uh-go] /əˈweɪz əˌɡoʊ/

Meaning & Usage

- A while back; some time ago (expression)

Hazel:

Didn’t we see him at the fair?

Earl:

Yeah, that was aways ago.

variations: always ago, a ways ago, a'ways ago

★ Though sometimes written as "always ago" in dialect notes, the authentic spoken form is "aways ago." ★

Origin

The phrase developed in Southern and Appalachian dialects as a colloquial shortening of "a while ago." It has been noted in regional speech since at least the early 20th century, though rarely printed outside of dialect writing or fiction.

Notes

Common in everyday talk across Appalachia and the South.
Used casually to recall something that happened earlier, whether hours or years before.
Less recognized outside the South, where "a while ago" is the standard form.
Some early collectors transcribed it as "always ago," though speakers weren’t literally using "always."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "aways ago" mean the same thing as "a while ago"?

Yes. It’s the Southern/Appalachian way of saying the same thing.

Is "always ago" the correct form?

No. That’s usually a mishearing or variant spelling in old dialect notes. The spoken form is "aways ago."

Is "aways ago" still used today?

Yes, especially in rural areas and among older generations, though younger speakers may favor "a while ago."

Is it unique to the South?

It’s most strongly tied to Southern and Appalachian speech. Outside the region, it’s rarely heard.

...