Neck Of The Woods: What Is the Meaning of this Popular Idiom?

“Neck of the woods” is a phrase you may hear or see frequently in everyday conversation and writing. If this use of figurative language is one you have struggled to understand, then you can use this page for a bit of enlightenment. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information regarding its origin. You will also find example sentences and conversations to help you further understand how this phrase is used in an everyday context. Additionally, you discover some suggestions to see how this phrase can be said in different words or phrases to convey the same meaning.

Neck Of The Woods

Neck Of The Woods Meaning

The idiom “neck of the woods” means the area where someone or something currently lives or an area where someone or something comes from.

Origin of this idiomatic phrase

This phrase originated sometime during the 1800s. It was used by people who lived in rural areas in forest settlements. As years passed, the phrase became popular to describe any area where someone lives or was raised regardless of whether the area is considered rural or urban.

“Neck Of The Woods” Examples

Example Sentences

  • In my neck of the woods, everyone knows what Scrapple is and most of them love to eat it.
  • I don’t know how it is in your neck of the woods, but things here are done much differently.
  • I haven’t been in this neck of the woods for years.
  • We don’t often see you in this neck of the woods.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends chatting on the phone.

  • Friend 1: How have things been back home since I have been gone.
  • Friend 2: Oh you know, things are the same in this neck of the woods. Generally quiet and uneventful. How are things there?
  • Friend 1: To be honest, I have been struggling with a lot of homesickness. I know it will get better though so I am hanging in there.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I just recently transferred here from the other warehouse.
  • Co-worker 2: Well, I can promise you will be happier here. We may be the same company but things are done a lot differently here in our neck of the woods.
  • Co-worker 1: I am happy to hear that. Hopefully, they are done for the better. I was not very happy with the other location.

Alternatives to “Neck Of The Woods”

There are several ways you can say “neck of the woods” using other phrases and words to convey the same meaning. Some of the alternatives you could use include:

  • Neighborhood
  • Location
  • Area
  • Region

Neck Of The Woods Meaning | Image

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Last Updated on March 21, 2020

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