ever now and again
Every once in a while; occasionally.
Also called ever now 'n agin, every now and again.
Updated September 21, 2026
ever now and again pronunciation
/EV-ur now un uh-GIN/
Meaning
Means something happens now and then, not on a schedule. The "ever" is mountain seasoning on the older "now and again." Same idea as "every now and then," just with more porch rhythm. Often comes out "ever now 'n agin."
How folks use it
- “We get down to Knoxville ever now and again.”
- “I still pick that old guitar ever now and again when the weather's right.”
Origin and etymology
Built on older English "now and again," meaning occasionally. Appalachian speech added "ever" for emphasis and rhythm, like "ever so often." Related to Scots-Irish and older British patterns that stuck in mountain talk.
Frequently asked questions
Is this different from every now and then?
Same basic meaning. Ever now and again just sounds more Appalachian.