what is the origin of the phrase "if I had my druthers..." What is a druther?

Answer 1

Its short for : would rather. It means "If I had my choice".

Answer 2

I found myself using this phrase the other day and decided to find out it's origin. So now I'll pass this information to you.

What the heck are druthers? druthers is an alteration of 'd rather (as in I'd rather, We'd rather, He'd rather...).

The word druthers, means 'choice; preference' and is almost always found in the phrase "to have one's druthers." The word, as you guess, comes from a vowel alteration of 'd rather, a contraction of "[I, he, etc.] would rather."

In its early history, druthers was primarily a southernism. Now the word, which is indeed still in use, is quite widespread. It may even be best to consider it "informal" or "colloquial," since it can't really be attached to any particular dialect area. It does not seem to have ever been peculiar to the midwest. Another interesting point is that, according to the Dictionary of American Regional English, druthers is used more frequently among speakers having a college education.

Druthers is first found in the United States in the late 19th century.

Answer 3

I looked it up on google and this is what I found:

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, druthers (the word seems to always be used in the plural sense) are "a choice or preference." Turns out the expression about "having one's druthers" comes from the phrase "I'd rather" or "would rather." Over time, the words were run together and shortened, resulting in the word "druthers."

Answer 4

Druthers

Answer 5

A druther is actually a product of regional speech mannerisms, apparently originating from Old English. It is a contraction of "I'd rather" and becomes a noun by adding the letter "s" at the end. Ergo, the word has come to mean an expression of preference.

Answer 6

Druther is a contraction of a contraction. Heard that one a lot when I was growing up. It meant "if I had my choice, I'd rather not." Granpa would tell one of my uncles to do something and he would go off muttering, "if I had my druthers . . . druther not." But they never let Granpa hear them say that! LOL!

Answer 7

Main Entry: druth·ers
Pronunciation: 'dr&-[th]&rz
Function: noun plural
Etymology: druther, alteration of would rather
dialect : free choice : PREFERENCE -- used especially in the phrase if one had one's druthers <>
Generally used in common conversation--i.e., you would NOT use this term with The President of The United States--druthers refers to a person's general preferance for living, and how they spend their time. Additionally, "druther" suggests a sense of "easy going" and that you won't "lose sleep" if you don't get your way.

Answer 8

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RE:
what is the origin of the phrase "if I had my druthers..." What is a druther?

Answer 9

It's a colloquial formation from the words 'I'd Rather'...druther.

Answer 10

It comes from the phrase "I would rather." It's shortened to "I'd rather." Some people prononunce it "I'd ruther." So to have your druthers means to have your choice. It's what you'd rather have.

Answer 11

A druther is a small lap-dragon with feathers. They reside mostly in Ireland where St. Patrick THINKS he destroyed all the dragons. Little old ladies drinking irish coffee in old castles know otherwise, and now that Patty is dead it's safe to tell all of you.