Looky Here

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "looky here" (or "lookie here") is used to draw someone’s attention to something close at hand - often to prove a point, correct someone, or show them they’re mistaken.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #BlendedWords #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Looky here' is in use often.

Pronunciation

[luhk-ee heer]

Meaning & Usage

- Direct Attention Nearby (exclamation)

Estel:

You said there wuttin no cookies left in this tin? Well looky here.

Elmer:

That cookie's a rock.

Estel:

Ain’t no eggs left.

Elmer:

Well looky here, we got a whole carton.

variations: lookie here

★ "Looky here" works best when you’re revealing something someone missed or doubted. It can be friendly, a gentle "told ya so," or even a little dramatic for effect. ★

Origin

"Looky" comes from adding a -y ending to "look," a common feature in older rural English for softening a command or making it more conversational. Pairing it with "here" directs attention to something nearby. This combination has been used in American English for over a century, especially in Southern and Appalachian regions.

Notes

While "looky there" points to something farther away, "looky here" is used for something close by, often right under someone’s nose. Tone determines whether it’s playful, urgent, or slightly scolding.

Say It Like a Southerner

Start with a clear, relaxed "Looky" - LUCK-ee with the vowel softened to "luhk." Follow with "here," keeping it quick and natural. The tone can range from playful to mildly scolding, but it’s almost always about showing someone something right in front of them.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Which is correct - "looky here" or "lookie here"?

Both are used in dialect writing. "Looky" is a little more common in print, while "lookie" matches how some folks pronounce it.

Is it always correcting someone?

Not always - it can also be used just to share or point out something nearby.

Can it be sarcastic?

Yes - it can emphasize someone missing something obvious.

Do people outside the South use it?

Occasionally, but it’s most common in rural Southern and Appalachian speech.

...