  I’m A-Comin’"I’m a-comin’" is the Appalachian and Southern way of saying "I’m coming." The "a-" prefix is a hallmark of mountain speech, adding rhythm and emphasis to action words. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I say 'I’m a-comin’!' daily to my litter of kids. And you'll still hear it around here it when you go to town. Pronunciation[ah KUM-in] Meaning & Usage- I’m on my way (saying)
Mae:
You about ready?
Earl:
I’m a-comin’, just gotta put my boots on.other spellings: I’m coming, I’m on my way, hold on, coming right now, ``I’m a-goin’``, and ``I’m a-headin’`` ★ The "a-" prefix in Appalachian speech comes from older English. It shows up in verbs like "a-comin’," "a-goin’," "a-workin’," and "a-singin’," giving the talk its own cadence. ★ OriginThe "a-" prefix traces back to Old English and Scots-Irish influence, where it marked ongoing action. While standard English dropped it, Appalachian and Southern speech kept it alive in everyday talk. NotesStill common in playful or emphatic speech across Appalachia and the South. Often shouted in response when someone’s hollerin’ for you to hurry up. Say It Like a SouthernerLet it roll together: "I’m a-comin’." Stress on "comin’." | 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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