tote
To carry something, usually in your arms, on your back, or on your shoulder.
Also called carry.
Updated September 24, 2026
tote pronunciation
/TOHT/
Meaning
Southern work word for carry. You tote wood, tote a gun, tote a youngun into the house. Often something heavy or awkward. DARE says it's widespread but more common in the South and South Midland. Old mountain talk: kids toting slabs didn't even call it carrying yet.
How folks use it
- “Git out there and tote that little-un in the house.”
- “We had to tote wood half a mile through the mud.”
Origin and etymology
American English from the late 1600s, first noted in Virginia. Exact roots are murky. Some link it to West African words for pick up or carry (heard in Gullah talk), but the OED treats that as unproven. Either way it dug deep into Southern and Appalachian speech for hauling loads by hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is tote only for guns?
No. Toting a gun is common, but folks tote firewood, groceries, and babies too.