outen

[ out-n ]

/ ˈaʊt n /

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verb (used with object) Eastern North Midland and South Atlantic States.

to turn off (a light) or extinguish (a fire).

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of outen

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20; out + -en¹

Outen the side door of the porch next me come a slim, little figger in white.
Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher|Eleanor Gates
He put all his doctor truck into his gasoline wagon last night and choo-chooed outen town.
Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher|Eleanor Gates
I say there ain't one o' them that cares a copper cent for one of us, 'cept just for what he can git outen us.
Joyce's Investments|Fannie E. Newberry
Arftuh midnight, boss, de screws drap right outen' de hinge, an' dar ain' no mo' hinge.
The Winning Clue|James Hay, Jr.

De master he was so mad he made de slaves all come outen deir cabins, to see how dey sarbed a runaway.
The Blue and The Gray|A. R. White