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Yon Side

Yon side is a Southern/Appalachian way to mean "that side" or "the far side," often of a road, hill, creek, or building. It’s the directional cousin of yonder, still heard in rural speech and storytelling.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #TravelandLocation   #DialectandGrammar   #OldTimers

Pronunciation

[YON side]
/ˈjɑn ˌsaɪd/

Meaning & Usage

- That/Far Side (adjectival phrase)

Pointing to a location not right here
Mamaw:
Cows are grazin’ on the yon side of the pasture.

Papaw:
Reckon we’ll check that fence line after dinner.

- Across/Over There (adverbial use)

Used like 'over there' in directions
Estel:
Hardware store’s yon side of the square.

Elmer:
Copy that - I’ll head around the courthouse.

★ You’ll also hear yonder side in the same sense. Yon side is the shorter, snappier form. ★

Origin and Etymology

Rooted in older English (yon/yonder from Old English and Scots-Irish usage), the phrase persisted in Appalachian speech even as it faded elsewhere in the U.S.

Usage Notes

Common with landmarks: roads, ridges, creeks, barns. Natural pairings include "up yon side," "over yon side," or "on the yon side of X." Feels old-timey but remains clear in local talk.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "yon side" the same as "that side"?
Yes - it’s a dialectal way to say "that/far side," with a Southern/Appalachian flavor.
Is it still in use?
Mostly among older speakers and in rural areas, or when someone leans into a folksy tone.
Which is more common: "yon side" or "yonder side"?
Both appear; yonder side may be more widespread in writing, while yon side is punchier in speech.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 7). Yon Side. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/yon-side
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Yon Side." HillbillySlang.com, 7 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/yon-side.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Yon Side." HillbillySlang.com. October 7, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/yon-side.
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