Runnin’ the Roads
In Appalachian and Southern speech, running the roads means going out constantly, roaming around, or being gone more than you’re home. It often implies socializing, loafing, or staying busy away from the house.
synonyms: running around, being out and about, roaming, gallivanting
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I remember bein' told I was 'runnin’ the roads' growin' up. It's a common one around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I remember bein' told I was 'runnin’ the roads' growin' up. It's a common one around here. Pronunciation
[RUN-in the rohds]
/ˈrʌn.ɪn ðə roʊdz/
/ˈrʌn.ɪn ðə roʊdz/
Meaning & Usage
- Constantly going out or staying on the move (verb phrase)
Mae:
Ain’t he home yet?
Ain’t he home yet?
Earl:
Nope, he’s still runnin’ the roads. Don’t know where that boy finds the energy.
Nope, he’s still runnin’ the roads. Don’t know where that boy finds the energy.- Socializing or visiting around town (verb phrase)
Mae:
Where’s she off to now?
Where’s she off to now?
Earl:
Runnin’ the roads again-stoppin’ in on ever’body she knows.
Runnin’ the roads again-stoppin’ in on ever’body she knows.- Staying occupied outside the home (verb phrase)
Mae:
You think they’ll be in for supper?
You think they’ll be in for supper?
Earl:
Not likely. Those kids been runnin’ the roads since noon.
Not likely. Those kids been runnin’ the roads since noon.variations: runnin’ the roads
★ When somebody’s "runnin’ the roads," it don’t necessarily mean trouble-they’re just everywhere at once. But it’s a gentle hint they might oughta slow down and stay home a spell. ★
Origin and Etymology
The phrase reflects long-standing Southern and Appalachian rural life, where visiting, errand-running, and socializing often meant traveling backroads between homes, stores, and gathering spots. The idiom appears in regional speech from the mid-20th century onward and remains common throughout the South and Appalachian Highlands. Its structure aligns with other dialectal "running" expressions describing habitual or repeated action.
Usage Notes
"Running the roads" is widely understood in the South and Appalachia but rarely used elsewhere. It often carries a playful or mildly critical tone, depending on context, and can describe anyone who spends more time out than in.
- Especially common among older speakers and in rural communities.
- Not inherently negative-tone determines whether it’s teasing or critical.
- Often used for teenagers, social butterflies, and busy adults.
- Dialect form "runnin’ the roads" appears frequently in speech.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 23). Running the Roads. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/running-the-roads
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Running the Roads." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/running-the-roads.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Running the Roads." HillbillySlang.com. November 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/running-the-roads.
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