Are you a fan of the classic American dialect? Do you ever find yourself questioning which spelling of “fellar” or “feller” is correct? Well, you’re not alone. This article will delve into the history and proper usage of these two words.
The proper word is actually “feller,” but “fellar” is a common misspelling. “Fellar” is not recognized as a proper word in the English language.
So what does “feller” mean? It is a colloquial term used to refer to a man or boy. It can also refer to a tool used for cutting down trees. On the other hand, “fellar” has no meaning.
Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into the history and usage of “feller.”
Define Fellar
Fellar is a term that is commonly used in the Southern United States, particularly in rural areas. It is a colloquialism that refers to a person, typically a man, who is skilled at felling trees. The term is derived from the verb “to fell,” which means to cut down a tree or knock it over. A fellar is someone who has experience and expertise in this task, and is able to do it efficiently and safely.
While the term fellar is most commonly used in the context of tree cutting, it can also be used more broadly to refer to someone who is skilled at any kind of manual labor or work with their hands. In this sense, it is similar to the term “handyman” or “jack-of-all-trades.”
Define Feller
Feller is a term that is often used interchangeably with fellar, but it has a slightly different connotation. Like fellar, it is a colloquialism that refers to a person who is skilled at felling trees. However, feller is more commonly used in other parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest.
While fellar is often used to describe someone who is skilled at manual labor in general, feller is more specific to the task of tree cutting. It is derived from the same verb “to fell,” but is used more broadly to refer to anyone who engages in this activity.
| Term | Region | Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Fellar | Southern United States | Skilled at felling trees and manual labor |
| Feller | Northeast and Midwest United States | Skilled at felling trees specifically |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words “fellar” and “feller” in a sentence, it’s important to understand their differences and how to use them correctly. Both words have the same meaning and are used to refer to a male person, but they differ in their spelling and usage.
How To Use “Fellar” In A Sentence
“Fellar” is a less common spelling of the word “feller” and is typically used in dialect or informal writing. It is important to note that “fellar” is not considered standard English and should be used sparingly.
Here are a few examples of how to use “fellar” in a sentence:
- My fellar and I went fishing last weekend.
- That fellar over there has been staring at us all night.
- I reckon that fellar is from the south.
As you can see, “fellar” is often used in informal situations or when trying to convey a certain dialect or accent. However, it is important to use it sparingly and not in formal writing or professional settings.
How To Use “Feller” In A Sentence
“Feller” is the more common spelling of the word and is considered standard English. It is used to refer to a male person in a neutral or informal context.
Here are a few examples of how to use “feller” in a sentence:
- That feller over there is my brother.
- I met a feller at the bar last night who was from out of town.
- He’s a good feller, always willing to lend a hand.
As you can see, “feller” is a more common spelling and is appropriate for use in most situations. It is important to note that “feller” is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings, so it’s important to use it appropriately.
More Examples Of Fellar & Feller Used In Sentences
Here are some more examples of how “fellar” and “feller” are used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Fellar” In A Sentence
- That fellar over there sure knows how to fish.
- My grandpa was a good fellar, always willing to help out.
- I met this fellar at the bar last night who was from out of town.
- He’s a strange fellar, always talking to himself.
- I don’t trust that fellar, he seems a bit shady.
- My dad always called me “little fellar” when I was a kid.
- That fellar is a real cowboy, he can ride any horse.
- I saw a fellar walking down the street with a giant parrot on his shoulder.
- Can you believe that fellar won the lottery twice?
- The fellar who fixed my car did a great job.
Examples Of Using “Feller” In A Sentence
- He’s a tough feller, nothing seems to faze him.
- My neighbor is a good feller, always lending a hand.
- I saw this feller on TV who can eat 50 hot dogs in one sitting.
- That feller is a real genius, he can solve any math problem.
- My grandpa used to say “feller” all the time instead of “guy”.
- I met this feller at the gym who had arms as big as tree trunks.
- That feller is a real artist, he can paint anything.
- I don’t know how that feller got his car up on the roof.
- My boss is a fair feller, always treating us with respect.
- That feller is a real character, always telling funny stories.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “fellar” and “feller,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Mistake 1: Using “Fellar” When You Mean “Feller”
One common mistake people make is using “fellar” when they actually mean “feller.” The word “feller” is a colloquialism that refers to a man or a fellow. On the other hand, “fellar” is not a word in the English language.
Mistake 2: Using “Feller” When You Mean “Fellows”
Another common mistake is using “feller” when you actually mean “fellows.” “Fellows” refers to a group of people, while “feller” refers to an individual.
Mistake 3: Using “Fellar” Or “Feller” In Formal Writing
Using colloquialisms like “fellar” or “feller” in formal writing is a mistake. These words are considered informal and should be avoided in professional or academic writing.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:
- Use “feller” when referring to an individual person or a man.
- Use “fellows” when referring to a group of people.
- Avoid using colloquialisms like “fellar” or “feller” in formal writing.
- When in doubt, use a dictionary to confirm the correct spelling and usage of a word.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “fellar” and “feller,” context is key. Both words are used to refer to a male person, but the choice between them can depend on the situation in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “fellar” and “feller” might change:
| Context | Example | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | A business report | Feller |
| Informal Writing | A personal blog post | Fellar |
| Regional Dialect | A conversation in the Southern United States | Feller |
| Humorous Tone | A comedic skit | Fellar |
In formal writing, such as a business report or academic essay, “feller” is generally preferred. This is because “feller” is considered the more standard spelling, and is less likely to be seen as informal or colloquial.
However, in informal writing, such as a personal blog post or social media update, “fellar” may be more appropriate. This is because it can add a sense of personality or humor to the writing, and is often used in more casual settings.
In regional dialects, such as in the Southern United States, “feller” is often the preferred spelling. This is because it is more commonly used in those areas, and is considered a part of the local dialect.
Finally, in contexts where a humorous tone is desired, “fellar” may be the better choice. This is because it can be seen as a playful or exaggerated spelling, and can add to the overall comedic effect.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “fellar” and “feller” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few examples:
Regional Differences
One exception to the rules for using “fellar” and “feller” is regional differences in dialect. In some areas, one form may be more commonly used than the other, regardless of the grammatical rules. For example, in some parts of the southern United States, “feller” is the more commonly used term, even though “fellar” may be considered more correct according to standard grammar rules.
Contextual Usage
Another exception to the rules for using “fellar” and “feller” is the context in which they are used. While “fellar” is generally used as a noun and “feller” as a verb, there may be situations where this is not the case. For example, in some contexts, “feller” may be used as a noun to refer to someone who cuts down trees, regardless of whether it is grammatically correct.
Idiomatic Expressions
Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions where the rules for using “fellar” and “feller” may not apply. For example, the phrase “feller of trees” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used to refer to someone who cuts down trees, even though “fellar” would be the correct grammatical form. Similarly, the phrase “good old feller” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used to refer to a good friend or companion, even though “fellar” would be the correct grammatical form.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have learned the difference between fellar and feller, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either fellar or feller:
- That __________ over there is my brother.
- I reckon that __________ is the one who done it.
- He’s a good __________, always willing to lend a hand.
- I ain’t seen that __________ in a coon’s age.
Answer Key:
- That feller over there is my brother.
- I reckon that fellar is the one who done it.
- He’s a good fellar, always willing to lend a hand.
- I ain’t seen that feller in a coon’s age.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- That __________ is a real character.
- a) fellar
- b) feller
- a) fellar
- b) feller
- a) fellar
- b) feller
- a) fellar
- b) feller
Answer Key:
- b) feller
- a) fellar
- a) fellar
- b) feller
These exercises should help you feel more confident in your ability to use fellar and feller correctly in your writing and speech. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of the words “fellar” and “feller,” it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. “Fellar” is a nonstandard dialectal variation of “fellow,” while “feller” is a legitimate alternative spelling of the word “feller,” meaning someone who cuts down trees.
It is important to be aware of these distinctions in order to avoid confusion and potential misunderstandings in written and spoken communication. By paying attention to the context in which these words are used, we can ensure that we are using the correct term in the appropriate situation.
Key Takeaways:
- “Fellar” is a nonstandard dialectal variation of “fellow.”
- “Feller” is a legitimate alternative spelling of the word “feller,” meaning someone who cuts down trees.
- Context is key in determining which term to use.
As language and grammar continue to evolve, it is important to stay informed and continue learning. By doing so, we can improve our communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.