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Betwixt and Between

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "betwixt and between" means "in between," "neither one thing nor the other," or "caught in the middle." It’s an older English phrase still common in rural talk.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern

Pronunciation

[bih-TWIKST and bih-TWEEN] /bɪˈtwɪkst ænd bɪˈtwiːn/

Meaning & Usage

- In the middle of two options or conditions (idiomatic phrase)

About a decision
Mae:
Is he staying or going?

Earl:
He’s betwixt and between right now.

- Geographically between two places (idiomatic phrase)

Talking location
Mae:
Where y’all live?

Earl:
Out betwixt and between the two towns.

variations: in between, caught in the middle, neither here nor there, halfway between
★ "Betwixt" is the older English form of "between." "Betwixt and between" is a rhythmic way of saying "in the middle" that Southern/Appalachian speech kept alive long after it faded elsewhere. ★

Origin

From Middle English "betwix" (between). Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as especially common in the South and South Midland. Survived in Appalachian and rural Southern speech where older British terms lingered.

Notes

Still heard today in older generations’ speech and in nostalgic or humorous writing. Outside the region it reads as quaint or old-fashioned but is easily understood.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often "betwixt ’n between," running the words together in relaxed speech.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does it just mean "between"?
Yes-"betwixt and between" = "in between" or "caught in the middle."
Is "betwixt" a typo?
No-it’s an older form of "between" that persisted regionally.
Can I use it in everyday speech?
Sure-it’ll sound folksy or old-timey but perfectly understandable.
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