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Ever So Often

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ever so often" means occasionally or from time to time. It’s a folksy variation of the more common "every so often."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Time   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Ever so often' comes up all the time in everday speech. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Ever so often' comes up all the time in everday speech. 

Pronunciation

[EV-ur so OFF-un] or [EV-ur so AWF-in]

Meaning & Usage

- Occasionally / From Time to Time (adverb phrase)

Earl:
Do you clean out the springhouse much?
Estel:
Ever so often - keeps it from goin’ stale.
Ruby:
You go to meetin’ every Sunday?
Mae:
Not every one, but ever so often.
variations: ever so often, every so often, ever’ so often
★ "Ever so often" isn’t meant to be exact. It just means something happens once in a while, without any set schedule. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the phrase "every so often," recorded in English since the 1700s. In Appalachian and Southern dialects, the "every" often shifts to "ever," creating the local form "ever so often."

Usage Notes

Still common in Appalachian and rural Southern speech. Some folks use "every so often" in writing, but "ever so often" feels more natural in spoken mountain talk.

Say It Like a Southerner

Drop the "y" in "every," and it comes out "ever." In mountain talk, it’s smooth and quick: "ever so often."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "ever so often" the same as "every so often"?
Yes - both mean occasionally. "Ever so often" is the Appalachian/Southern variant.
Is it considered proper English?
Not in formal writing, but it’s widely understood in speech.
Do people still say it today?
Absolutely - you’ll hear it across Appalachia, the South, and in everyday rural talk.
How is it different from "ever now and again"?
Very close in meaning. Both mean "occasionally," but "ever so often" sounds a touch more deliberate, while "ever now and again" has a more old-fashioned ring.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 25). Ever So Often. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-so-often
  • MLA (9th edition)
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  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Ever So Often." HillbillySlang.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/ever-so-often.
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