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.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use 'betwixt and between' sometimes, and I grew up hearin' my Momma say it. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use 'betwixt and between' sometimes, and I grew up hearin' my Momma say it. Pronunciation
[bih-TWIKST and bih-TWEEN] /bɪˈtwɪkst ænd bɪˈtwiːn/
Meaning & Usage
- In the middle of two options or conditions (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
Is he staying or going?
Is he staying or going?
Earl:
He’s betwixt and between right now.
He’s betwixt and between right now.- Geographically between two places (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
Where y’all live?
Where y’all live?
Earl:
Out betwixt and between the two towns.
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 and Etymology
From Middle English "betwix" (between). Especially common in the South and South Midland, it survived in Appalachian and rural Southern speech where older British terms lingered.
Usage 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.
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