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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. 

Pronunciation

[TAKE uh NO-shun] /teɪk ə ˈnoʊ.ʃən/

Meaning & Usage

- To suddenly decide to do something (idiom)

Elmer:
He took a notion to up and leave one night.
Estel:
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

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.

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

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "take a notion" mean "get an idea"?
In Southern/Appalachian English it means "suddenly decide to do something" - like a whim or urge.
Is it still used today?
Yes, especially among older speakers and in rural communities.
Where did it come from?
Older British usage of "notion" meaning "idea or whim," carried into Appalachian and Southern speech by early settlers.
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