directly
Soon; in a little while, not always right this second.
Also called dreckly, to-reckly.
Updated September 21, 2026
directly pronunciation
/duh-REK-lee/
Meaning
When a Southerner says I'll be there directly, they mean they are coming, not that they are already in the driveway. It can be a few minutes or after one more chore. Same word outsiders hear as immediately, which is how porch misunderstandings get started. You also hear dreckly or to-reckly.
How folks use it
- “I'll fix that leak directly, soon as I finish this coffee.”
- “Y'all go on. We'll be along directly.”
Origin and etymology
Older English used directly for at once. In Southern and Appalachian speech the clock softened: DARE and Appalachian English collections record the sense soon, before long, or when convenient, sometimes on purpose vague. Michael Montgomery notes it can still mean immediately depending on context, which is why the word keeps confusing visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Does directly mean right now?
In Southern talk, usually not. It means soon, or when I get to it. Ask if you need a hard clock time.