anyways
Anyway; used to wrap up or move on.
Also called anyway.
Updated September 21, 2026
anyways pronunciation
/EN-ee-wayz/
Meaning
Same job as anyway: "regardless," or a pivot when you change the subject. Common in Southern and rural talk, and plenty of places beyond. Teachers may mark the -s as informal. In conversation it sounds natural.
How folks use it
- “We might get rain, but we're going anyways.”
- “Anyways, what time y'all want to eat?”
Origin and etymology
Anyways is an older English form related to anyway and anywise. It stayed strong in American informal speech, especially Southern and Midland varieties, while school English pushed the shorter anyway. Both forms have deep roots; the -s version just kept a colloquial edge.
Frequently asked questions
Is anyways wrong?
It is informal, not broken. Fine in speech and casual writing. Use anyway if you need a formal tone.