Reach Me That

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "reach me that" means "hand me that" or "pass me that." It’s a carryover from older English where "reach" included the sense of handing something to someone.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Out in the country, you still hear 'reach me that' - but I'd say more from old timers.

Pronunciation

[REECH me that] /ˈriːtʃ mi ðæt/

Meaning & Usage

- To hand or pass an item to someone (verb phrase)

Mae:

Can you reach me that cornbread?

Earl:

Sure-here you go.

- To extend something upward or over (verb phrase, variant)

Mae:

Reach me up that hammer on the shelf.

Earl:

Got it.

variations: hand me that, pass me that, give me that, reach me over (variant)

★ "Reach" meaning "hand" or "pass" is centuries old. Southern/Appalachian speech preserves this older sense-just like British English used to: "Reach me the book." Outside the region it can sound quaint or archaic. ★

Origin

Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as especially common in the South and South Midland. Reflects older English usage where "reach" included "hand, give."

Notes

Still heard today in rural and family settings, especially among older generations. Younger speakers may say "hand me" or "pass me" instead, but "reach me" remains recognizable as a Southern/Appalachian marker.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "reach" can soften to "reech" or "retch"; "me that" is clipped into one flow.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "reach me that" mean "get it for me"?

Yes-specifically it means "hand it to me" rather than "go fetch it."

Is it old-fashioned?

It’s traditional but still alive; you’ll hear it in everyday Southern/Appalachian talk.

Do people outside the South say it?

Rarely-most say "hand me that" or "pass me that," so it sounds distinctly Southern/Appalachian.

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