Hither and Yon
The phrase hither and yon means "here and there" or "all over the place." Though it started in old British English, it’s lingered in Southern and Appalachian talk as a quaint way to describe wandering or scattering things about.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I can remember my Momma saying 'hither and yon,' but this one is more rare these days. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I can remember my Momma saying 'hither and yon,' but this one is more rare these days. Pronunciation
[HITH-er and YON]
/ˈhɪðɚ ən ˈjɑn/
/ˈhɪðɚ ən ˈjɑn/
Meaning & Usage
- Here and There (adverb phrase)
Papaw:
Been huntin’ them fence staples hither and yon since breakfast.
Been huntin’ them fence staples hither and yon since breakfast.
Mamaw:
Well if you’d quit leavin’ ’em in your overalls, you might find some.
Well if you’d quit leavin’ ’em in your overalls, you might find some.- All Over Creation
Estel:
Kids done scattered toys hither and yon again.
Kids done scattered toys hither and yon again.
Elmer:
Reckon we need a shovel instead of a broom.
Reckon we need a shovel instead of a broom.★ "Hither and yon" pairs well with "wanderin’" - a favorite combo among older Southerners telling stories. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English hider ("to this place") and geond ("over, beyond"), the phrase dates back centuries. While most English speakers dropped it long ago, Southerners kept it alive in storytelling and lighthearted conversation.
Usage Notes
"Hither and yon" is rare today, but still pops up in Appalachian and rural speech as a humorous or nostalgic way to say "all over." It often shows up in folksy writing or when imitating an old-time Southern voice.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 7). Hither and Yon. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hither-and-yon
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hither and Yon." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hither-and-yon.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Hither and Yon." HillbillySlang.com. October 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hither-and-yon.
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