figger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal / Dialectal / Non-standard
Quick answer
What does “figger” mean?
A non-standard phonetic or dialectal spelling and pronunciation of the standard word 'figure'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-standard phonetic or dialectal spelling and pronunciation of the standard word 'figure'.
Used informally to mean 'to reckon', 'to consider', 'to think', or 'to understand'. It can also refer to the physical form or shape of a person, as a variant of 'figure'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Historically associated with rural or regional dialects in both countries (e.g., Appalachia, Southern US; West Country or Northern England). In modern contexts, it is more stereotypically linked to caricatured Southern American or 'hillbilly' speech than to any current British dialect.
Connotations
In the UK, it may sound archaic or rustic. In the US, it strongly connotes uneducated, rustic, or deliberately folksy speech. Using it in standard contexts would be perceived as a mistake.
Frequency
Extremely rare in edited text. Found almost exclusively in written dialogue to portray a specific character's accent.
Grammar
How to Use “figger” in a Sentence
[Subject] figger + [clause] (I figger we should go).[Subject] figger + [NP] + out (I can't figger this sum out).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “figger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- "I cannae figger how the engine works," the old mechanic said. (dialect representation).
American English
- "I figger we'll get there by noon if we leave now," he drawled.
adverb
British English
- Used adjectivally or verbally; standard adverbial form not applicable.
American English
- Used adjectivally or verbally; standard adverbial form not applicable.
adjective
British English
- He cut a right rum figger in that outfit. (archaic/dialect).
American English
- She's got a fine figger. (dialect for 'figure').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would be seen as unprofessional.
Academic
Inappropriate; non-standard.
Everyday
Only in very specific, informal contexts among certain dialect speakers or for humorous imitation.
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “figger”
- Spelling it as 'figger' in formal writing.
- Pronouncing standard 'figure' as 'figger' in contexts that require Received Pronunciation or General American.
- Overusing it to sound folksy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a standard English word with a distinct entry in dictionaries. It is a respelling of 'figure' to represent a specific dialectal or informal pronunciation.
Only if you are deliberately trying to represent a specific dialect in fictional dialogue. In all standard, formal, and professional contexts, use 'figure'.
It is stereotypically associated with Southern American and Appalachian English dialects, and historically with some rural British dialects.
The standard word is 'figure', pronounced /ˈfɪɡ.ə(r)/ in both British and American English. 'Figger' is a non-standard phonetic approximation.
A non-standard phonetic or dialectal spelling and pronunciation of the standard word 'figure'.
Figger is usually informal / dialectal / non-standard in register.
Figger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪɡ.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪɡ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That figgers. (That figures - meaning it makes sense/is logical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Figger' is just 'figure' with a 'g' that sounds like the 'g' in 'guitar' and a dropped 'u'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS CALCULATING (e.g., 'figger it out').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of the word 'figger'?