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Y’all Come Back

"Y’all come back" is a Southern and Appalachian farewell meaning "visit again soon." It’s a warm, hospitable phrase rooted in regional dialect.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

synonyms: visit again, don’t be a stranger, come back soon
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'y’all come back' all my life. But the 'y'all come back now, you hear?' I've only heard on 'Beverly Hillbillies.' 

Pronunciation

[YAHL kum BAK] /jɑl kʌm bæk/

Meaning & Usage

- Farewell expression (dialect, imperative)

Clara:
We best be heading home.
Elmer:
Well, y’all come back whenever you can.
variations: yall come back, ya’ll come back

Origin

Documented in Southern American English since the early 20th century. The phrase reflects the region’s tradition of hospitality and community, where visitors are encouraged to return.

Notes

  • Y’all come back is an authentic Southern/Appalachian farewell, still heard in daily life.
  • The extended form, "Y’all come back now, ya hear?", was popularized by The Beverly Hillbillies (1960s). That version is often seen as a pop-culture stereotype rather than a naturally spoken form.
  • Spelling varies (yall, ya’ll), but y’all is the standard representation in dialect writing.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "Y’all come back" real Southern speech?
Yes-widely used as a warm way to say goodbye, especially in rural or small-town settings.
What about "Y’all come back now, ya hear?"
The shorter form is authentic. The longer form was popularized on TV and became more of a stereotype.
Is it still used today?
Yes, though often by older speakers or in traditional settings. It remains part of the Southern hospitality image.

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  • Chicago (17th edition)

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