Like Me A...

In Appalachian and Southern speech, the "like X a" pattern adds a reflexive/benefactive pronoun after "like" to mean "really like" or "personally favor." It’s a living grammar feature that emphasizes personal preference.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: personally like, really enjoy, favor, prefer

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'I like me a' a pulled pork barbeque sandwich with caramelized onions, pork belly, and plenty of sauce. And that's exactly how I'd say it, and how people down here would say it.

Pronunciation

[LAHK mee / yoo / thuym] /laɪk miː | juː | ðɛm/

Meaning & Usage

- Expressing Personal Liking / Preference (emphatic)

Mae:

I like me a hot biscuit with butter.

Earl:

We like us a big Sunday dinner.

Ruby:

He likes him a long nap after work.

Hazel:

She likes her a mountain view.

Clara:

They like them a Friday night fish fry.

★ This is the Southern/Appalachian reflexive (benefactive) dative applied to "like." It adds warmth and emphasis - "I like me a cold Dr Pepper" feels stronger than just "I like a cold Dr Pepper." ★

Origin

Carried over from older Northern English and Scots-Irish speech where reflexive/benefactive pronouns were common. Settlers brought the pattern to the American South and Appalachia, where it remains vibrant alongside "got me a" and "fix me a."

Notes

The "like X a" pattern mirrors "got me a" but expresses preference instead of acquisition. Speakers swap in different pronouns to match the subject. In writing it may look informal, but in speech it’s perfectly natural.

I like me a - first person singular ("I like me a hot biscuit.")
You like you a - second person ("You like you a good deal.")
We like us a - first person plural ("We like us a fish fry.")
They like them a - third person plural ("They like them a front porch swing.")
He likes him a - third person singular ("He likes him a long nap.")
She likes her a - third person singular ("She likes her a mountain view.")
It likes it a - occasionally used humorously for pets or objects ("That hound likes it a sunny spot.")

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "I like me a"" "You like you a"" "We like us a"" "They like them a"" "He likes him a"" "She likes her a""

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "I like me a" mean the same as "I like a"?

Yes - but it adds a personal, colloquial emphasis.

Is it incorrect grammar?

No - it’s a recognized regional pattern that adds emphasis/benefit.

Where is it used?

Throughout the South and Appalachia, and sometimes in Midland English as well.

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