Havin’ Company
In Southern and Appalachian homes, "having company" means expecting or entertaining visitors. It carries more weight than just "someone’s coming over"-it’s about cleaning up, putting on manners, and showing hospitality.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #DialectandGrammar #Southern
synonyms: expecting visitors, entertaining, hosting
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh if your Momma warns that company is comin' - or you're 'havin’ company,' that means you better get your hind end in gear to help straighten up. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh if your Momma warns that company is comin' - or you're 'havin’ company,' that means you better get your hind end in gear to help straighten up. Pronunciation
[HAV-in CUMP-nee]
/ˈhævɪn ˈkʌmp.ni/
/ˈhævɪn ˈkʌmp.ni/
Meaning & Usage
- To have visitors or guests (phrase)
Mama:
Y’all behave-we’re havin’ company.
Y’all behave-we’re havin’ company.
Kid:
Who is it?
Who is it?
Mama:
Your Aunt Ruth and ‘em.
Your Aunt Ruth and ‘em.variations: have company, having guests
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in 19th-century American domestic life, especially in the South and Appalachia. "Company" once meant both the visitors themselves and the act of hosting them. The phrase "having company" reflects traditions of home hospitality and social respect.
Usage Notes
Still widely used across the South and rural America. Implies both the visit and the social preparation around it.
- "We’re having company tonight." → Visitors are expected.
- "Can’t talk-we’re having company." → Guests are present right now.
- Often carries cultural weight: tidy up, act polite, make tea, and offer dessert.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Having Company. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/having-company
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Having Company." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/having-company.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Having Company." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/having-company.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...