whyn't

English

Etymology

why +‎ -n't

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /waɪnt/
• Rhymes: -aɪnt

Contraction

whyn't

1. (US, dialectal) Contraction of why +‎ don't.
   • 1931, William Faulkner, Sanctuary, Vintage, published 1993, page 67:

     ‘She's skeered. Whyn't they leave her be?’

2. (US, dialectal) Contraction of why +‎ didn't.
   • 1921, Booth Tarkington, Alice Adams, page 389:

     "Whyn't he tell me, the dang little fool?" "He did!" Mrs. Adams sobbed. "He did tell you, and you wouldn't give it to him."

Alternative forms

• why'n't