on account of
Because of; the reason something happened.
Also called on 'count of, because of.
Updated September 24, 2026
on account of pronunciation
/on uh-COUNT uv/
Meaning
A long way of saying because of, still everyday in rural Southern and Appalachian talk. You use it for causes: weather, trouble, somebody's temper. Fast speech shortens it to on 'count of. Folks also stick a whole clause after it ("on account of I was late"), which sounds natural on a porch even if grammar books fuss.
How folks use it
- “We stayed home on account of the creek was up.”
- “He ain't coming on account of no headache.”
Origin and etymology
Older English for because of, in American use since at least the late 1700s. Standard English kept the "because of" sense; rural Southern speech kept using it in casual talk after much of the country switched to shorter because. Same bones, different porch rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
Is on account of the same as because?
Same job. On account of usually takes of plus a reason, or a whole clause in Southern talk.