Here While Back

Morgan J Bearden

My father (born in South Pittsburg, Tennessee in 1914 – dropped out of school in 8th grade), used to say “here while back” in everyday conversation.

For some reason the phrase come into my mind recently. I consulted my “Dictionary of American Regional English” and didn’t find it..so, I went to the Internet and found this site!

Mary Lou McKillip

I have heard all these old saying reading all the comments just muffled in my mind but instance recall them. I am going sprang them on some Texan but come to think I have never heard one of these saying where I the two years living in Texas. I am going to start off by saying here while back I read a post of old saying from the mountain web site Blindpigandtheacorn.com have you heard any of these ?

Frank

I’ve not used it regularly…however, “back in the day” comes to the forefront of my noodle…

Gigi

Ain’t it something all the phrases we use and learned from our folk. I have heard it and use it. And (Lands Sakes Alive). , Lordy Be and so on. There’s so many.

SusieQ

Now that phrase we use around here still 🙂

Don

I think I said here awhile back here while back !
If y’all really want to stir the pot read Mr. Webster’s definition of while and awhile. I’m just glad I know what it means because we say it all the time as the song says (where I come from).

Tamela

I’ve heard “Here awhile back” or ‘”a while back” (almost always including the “a”) but also “a ways back” (which could be location or time such as ‘”a ways back down the road” or “a ways back when you were a young’un. . . .”) ( I agree with the reader who said adding “here” implies a more recent occurrence._ These phrases are common and current for me whether in South Texas, Central Texas, or Kansas. Phrases mentioned in the comments such as “pon my honor” (said “upon my honor”in these parts) and “I swan” are also current and common with my kith and kin.
Does anyone know the origin of “I swan”? I’ve always imagined it to be the shortened version of “I swear on my granny’s grave -or whatever relative who would most impress the listener with the sincerity of one’s “swearing” – with “swear on” being blurred to “sw’on” which a southern accent drew out and softened the “o” to “ah” yielding “swan” and the rest of the phrase simply being omitted. It could be the “nicening” of a swear in the way we might say “H – E – double fiddlesticks” or even just “fiddlesticks” instead of the more “crude” “Oh, Hell”.
Language is fascinating – and as appealing as some of our reasoning may be – it may have “nothing to do with the price of cotton”.

Ken Roper

Tipper,
Mama, when she was amazed or surprised, would say “Oh Fliterdick”.

Matt and Tipper saw a picture of Mama and Daddy one time when they was over here. Matt didn’t say anything, but Tipper commented a lot, since I was just getting over the Flu. They both liked my little dog, Whisky. …Ken

Charline

This was almost daily usage at our house growing up. I can’t say I’ve ever used it though. Thanks for reminder.

Larry Proffitt

Tipper, of course both “here awhile back” and “awhile back “ are both common usage for me here in far east Tn. I said both several times to myself and I believe in my understanding and use , the addition of “here” lends a connotation of something more recent.That is only a personal thought.

Gayle Larson

I use here awhile back all the time. I don’t even notice these sayings. They just come natural.

Yvette Ridenour

I grew up hearing my Granny say “Here while back” all the time. Her mother, my great-grandmother, used to say, “Well, I swan,” and “Pon my honor.” So many wonderful memories come back when I read your blog! Thanks for your wonderful work.

Betty Jo Eason Benedict

It just rolls off the tip of my tongue soe easily I just never notice it!

William P Dotson

I say it all the time.

sheryl paul

Similar, Here a while back I heard since childhood. Noy without the a though