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That There

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "that there" is used for emphasis, meaning "that" or "that right there." It’s a plain, folksy turn of phrase that adds weight and color to pointing something out.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern

Pronunciation

[THAT thair]

Meaning & Usage

- Emphatic "that" (adjective phrase)

On the roadside
Mae:
Which one broke down?

Earl:
That there tractor - the red one.

★ "That there" works the same way as "this here" - a little country grammar flourish that doesn’t change meaning, just adds emphasis. ★

Origin

Rooted in nonstandard English carried into rural American speech. In the South and Appalachia, "that there" became a natural way to call attention to something.

Notes

Still common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Rare in formal English, but instantly recognizable as down-home talk. Often paired with "this here."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "that thair." In quick speech, it runs together as "that-’ere."

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Does "that there" mean something different from "that"?
No - it’s just a colorful, emphatic way of saying it.
Is it only Southern?
Strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech, though it may pop up in other rural dialects.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - especially in casual country or family talk.
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