Betwixt and BetweenIn 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... Pronunciation[bih-TWIKST and bih-TWEEN] /bɪˈtwɪkst ænd bɪˈtwiːn/ Meaning & Usage- In the middle of two options or conditions (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
- Geographically between two places (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
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. ★ OriginFrom 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. NotesStill 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 SouthernerSay it natural: often "betwixt ’n between," running the words together in relaxed speech. | ...
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