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Fixin’ To

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "fixin’ to" means "about to" or "getting ready to." It’s a common saying that signals intention - whether it’s leaving the house, cooking supper, or starting a chore.

#Appalachia   #Speech&Expressions   #Southern

Pronunciation

[FIK-sin too]

Meaning & Usage

- About to, preparing to (saying)

On the porch
Mae:
I’m fixin’ to start supper.

Earl:
Good - I’m hungry already.

other spellings: about to, getting ready to, just about to, preparing to, aiming to, and gonna
★ "Fixin’ to" almost never means repairing something. It’s all about intention - you’re about to get up and do it. ★

Origin

From older English "fix" meaning to prepare or arrange. By the 1800s in the American South, "fixin’ to" evolved into a phrase meaning "preparing to do." It’s still a hallmark of Southern/Appalachian speech.

Notes

Very common in the South and Appalachia, often in casual conversation. Outsiders sometimes poke fun at it, but for locals it’s natural and clear.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "fixin’ tuh." Drop the "g" in "fixing" and soften "to" into "tuh."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "fixin’ to" mean repairing?
No - it means you’re about to do something, not fixing a broken thing.
Is it still common today?
Absolutely - it’s one of the most recognizable Southern/Appalachian sayings.
Is it the same as "gonna"?
Close, but not exact. "Fixin’ to" carries a sense of *getting ready*, while "gonna" is just future tense.
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