I’m Gone

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "I’m gone" or "we’re gone" means "I’m leaving now" or "we’re heading out." It’s a friendly, final way to wrap up a visit or conversation-half goodbye, half motion.

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synonyms: I’m leaving, we’re leaving, we’re heading out, we’re fixin’ to go

Hillbilly Dude Says...

It's a common thing to say 'I’m gone' or 'we gone' when you're leaving down here.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

It's a common thing to say 'I’m gone' or 'we gone' when you're leaving down here.

Pronunciation

[AHM gawn]
/ɑm ɡɔːn/

Meaning & Usage

- Used when departing; to announce leaving

Clara:

You sure you don’t want another biscuit?

Earl:

Naw, ma’am. I’m gone.

variations: we’re gone, I’m goin’, we’re goin’, gone now

Origin and Etymology

Draws from the Southern habit of using the past form "gone" for an action about to happen or just beginning-reflecting the region’s fluid, conversational grammar. The phrase likely shortened from "I’m a-goin’" or "I’m goin’ to go," common in 19th-century rural English and preserved in Southern and Appalachian dialects.

Usage Notes

Used at the end of a visit or when wrapping up a conversation. Tone is casual and friendly, often paired with a wave or a "y’all take care."

"Alright, I’m gone." → announcing departure.
"Tell your folks hey-we’re gone." → polite family farewell.
"Soon as I get this truck started, I’m gone." → leaving immediately.

Outside the South, people may interpret "I’m gone" as "I’m exhausted" or "I’ve already left," but in Southern speech, it means "I’m leaving right now."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "I’m gone" mean in the South?

It means "I’m leaving now," said as you rise or head for the door.

Is it the same as "I’m going"?

Nearly-but it sounds warmer and more final, like a spoken wave goodbye.

Do people say "we’re gone"?

Yes-families or groups use it together when departing: "Alright, we’re gone."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 7). I’m Gone. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-gone
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "I’m Gone." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-gone.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "I’m Gone." HillbillySlang.com. October 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/im-gone.