   I Declare!In Appalachian and Southern speech, "I declare" is an exclamation showing surprise, mild shock, or even playful disapproval. It’s a genteel way of reacting without strong words. Hillbilly Dude Says...  My neighbor would holler 'well I declare!' at my friend growin up. She was from the other side of the mountain, so I didn't know that one. For years, I thought she was sayin' 'Idie Claire.' Pronunciation[ah dih-KLAIR] Meaning & Usage- Exclamation of surprise or mild shock (interjection)
Elmer:
Did you hear she bought another cow?
Estel:
Well, I declare!- Playful disapproval (interjection)
Estel:
Ruby:
I declare, they’ll be the ruin of me.other spellings: well, I declare, mercy me, goodness gracious, and land sakes ★ "I declare" is often softened with "Well," at the start - "Well, I declare." It’s a polite way of showing strong feelings without sounding harsh. ★ OriginThe phrase goes back to older English expressions like "I declare to you" or "I declare before (You-Know-Who)," used to emphasize truth. In Appalachia and the South, it shed the formal sense and became a folksy exclamation. NotesCommon in older generations, "I declare" still shows up in storytelling, family talk, and even sermons. It’s gentler than "They law!" and often carries humor or affection. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it with a little breath: "Ah dih-KLAIR." Often stretched out - "Well, I deee-clare" - to show amusement or disbelief. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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