Take a Notion
In Southern and Appalachian English, "take a notion" (or "took a notion") means to suddenly decide to do something or feel an urge - a folksy way to describe a spontaneous decision.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #OldTimers #Southern
synonyms: get an urge, suddenly decide, feel like
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I would say 'took a notion' is more out in the country nowadays. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I would say 'took a notion' is more out in the country nowadays. Pronunciation
[TAKE uh NO-shun]
/teɪk ə ˈnoʊ.ʃən/
/teɪk ə ˈnoʊ.ʃən/
Meaning & Usage
- To suddenly decide to do something (idiom)
Elmer:
He took a notion to up and leave one night.
He took a notion to up and leave one night.
Estel:
Well, when the notion hits, you just go.
Well, when the notion hits, you just go.variations: took a notion, taking a notion
★ "Take a notion" signals an impulsive or sudden decision - similar to "got the urge," but more colorful. ★
Origin and Etymology
Likely from older British/Irish English usage of "notion" meaning "idea or whim," preserved and popularized in Southern and Appalachian speech. Found in regional newspapers and oral histories dating to at least the 1800s.
Usage Notes
- Common across Appalachia and the rural South; much rarer elsewhere in modern U.S. English.
- Often used in the past tense "took a notion" ("She took a notion to quit her job").
- Compare to "took a fancy" (older British usage).
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 27). Take a Notion. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/take-a-notion
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Take a Notion." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/take-a-notion.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Take a Notion." HillbillySlang.com. September 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/take-a-notion.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...