Who All
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "who all" broadens a question to mean "which people" or "everyone involved." It’s a hallmark of regional grammar that turns "who" into "who all" for inclusiveness.
synonyms: which people, everybody, all the people
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If I want the full list, I'm gonna ask 'who all' was there. The one is common. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If I want the full list, I'm gonna ask 'who all' was there. The one is common. Pronunciation
[HOO AWL] /huː ɑːl/
Meaning & Usage
- Inclusive Question (People) (pronoun phrase)
Ruby:
Who all is coming to the barn dance?
Who all is coming to the barn dance?
Mae:
The whole family and the neighbors too.
The whole family and the neighbors too.variations: whoall, wh’all, who alls
★ Adding "all" after "who" broadens the question to ask about every person - a distinctive feature of Southern/Appalachian English. In quick speech it can sound like "wh’all" or "whoall." ★
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in Scots-Irish and Midland English patterns brought to the American South. The "who all" construction appears in 19th-century dialect collections and is still a living feature of Southern/Appalachian grammar.
Usage Notes
Common throughout the South, South Midland, and Appalachia. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is easily understood. Still widely used today in casual conversation.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: often "wh’all" or "whoall" in relaxed speech. You’ll hear it in questions like "Who all’s goin’?"
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Who All. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/who-all
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Who All." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/who-all.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Who All." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/who-all.
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