It’s Fairin’ Off

In Southern and Appalachian speech, it’s fairin’ off means the storm is easing and the weather is beginning to clear.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #WeatherandSeasons

synonyms: clearing up, easing up, letting up

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I believe 'fairin’ off' is more regional because I didn't hear it growin' up, I've only read it.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I believe 'fairin’ off' is more regional because I didn't hear it growin' up, I've only read it.

Pronunciation

[FAIR-in awf]
/ˈfɛrɪn ɔf/

Meaning & Usage

- The storm is passing or weakening (verbal phrase)

Estel:

Think we’re stuck inside all day?

Elmer:

No, it’s fairin’ off already.

variations: fairin' off

★ Fairin’ off usually means things are headed toward better weather, not just a short pause in the rain. ★

Origin and Etymology

The verb "fair" meaning to become clear or favorable in reference to weather dates back to earlier forms of English. While this sense has largely fallen out of everyday use elsewhere, Southern and Appalachian speech preserved the construction "fairing off" as a common, practical way to describe storms easing or skies beginning to clear.

Usage Notes

"It’s fairin’ off" is used in Southern and Appalachian speech to describe improving weather conditions, especially after rain or storms. The phrase is observational rather than predictive, indicating that the storm appears to be weakening or passing.

Most often refers to rain tapering off rather than sudden clearing
Commonly spoken during or immediately after storms
Functions as a calm observation rather than a forecast

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "fairin’ off" mean the weather is completely clear?

Not necessarily. It usually means conditions are improving and the storm is easing.

Is this phrase still used today?

Yes. It remains common in Southern and Appalachian spoken English.

Is "fairin’ off" the same as "clearing up"?

Yes, though "fairin’ off" is more regional and traditional in tone.

Is this considered formal English?

No. It is an informal, regional weather expression.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 19). It’s Fairing Off. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fairing-off
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "It’s Fairing Off." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fairing-off.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "It’s Fairing Off." HillbillySlang.com. December 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fairing-off.