  Far as I Can TellIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "far as I can tell" means "as far as I can tell" - from what I know, to the best of my knowledge. The leading "as" is often dropped in regional talk. Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Far as I can tell' means you looked it over, and that's what you came up with. That's different from 'far as I know,' which is more certain. Probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I can tell.' Pronunciation[FAR az AH kin TELL] Meaning & Usage- To the best of my knowledge (phrase)
Mae:
They movin’ for good?
Earl:
Far as I can tell, just for the winter.- As best as I can see or judge (phrase)
Mae:
That tractor runnin’ right?
Earl:
Far as I can tell, it’ll hold together.other spellings: for as I can tell, as far as I can tell, best I can tell, far's I can tell, and near's I can tell ★ Dropping the first "as" is one of those little Appalachian/Southern shortcuts in speech. The meaning is the same, but the rhythm is quicker. ★ OriginFrom standard English "as far as I can tell." In Appalachian and Southern talk, the clipped form "far as I can tell" became the everyday version. NotesCommon in Appalachian and Southern speech. Recognized nationally, but elsewhere folks are more likely to use the full form "as far as I can tell." Outsiders often mis-hear this as ‘for as I can tell,’ but locals are saying ‘far as I can tell.’ Both point to the same meaning: to the best of my knowledge or judgment." Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "far as I kin tell." The "as" is clipped, and "I can" often comes out "I kin." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking Since 2025