iffen

American  

[if-uhn] / ˈɪf ən /

conjunction

Dialect.

1. if.

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Etymology

Origin of iffen

1930–35; if + -en, of uncertain origin, perhaps an ² (hence a variant of archaic an if ) or in’ ( see -ing ²), extracted from conjunctional uses of considering, excepting, etc.; cf. gin ⁵

Example Sentences

Recall it to my mind iffen ever I forget, Philly.

From Time Magazine Archive

“I ’preciates you doing it, sir, but how’s I s’pose to learn iffen I don’t know what you talking ’bout?”

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis

“Me and Branch can find our way out of anywheres. You be needing us for certain iffen you get lost.”

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry

“The old folks say that iffen you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s, it s’posed to make you rich for the new year,” Teenie said.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

“In the Fen, iffen they give you something special, it be a kick in your buttie. “But that’s a pretty thing you got,” he added politely.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry