If you want to sound like a Texan, a useful expression to know is fixin’ to. In this article, you’ll learn what it means, how to use it, and also a pronunciation detail that applies outside of Texas, too. First, pronunciation.

Pronunciation

The key to pronunciation here is to understand the -ing ending. You probably learned that -ing is pronounced /iŋ/ (or eeng). While this is true in formal spoken English, it is stressed too much for informal speech. In normal, informal speech, -ing usually is pronounced /ɪn/ (in) or /ən/ (schwa + n).

When writers want to suggest an informal pronunciation in their dialog, they typically write -ing as -in’. Thus, informally, fixing to would be written fixin’ to.

Because fixin’ to has become a standard part of informal Texas speech, pronunciations range from what I described above (fixin’ to) to relaxing the x (something like /’fiʔən tu/, where /ʔ/ is a modified /t/).

Meaning

Use be + fixin’ to when you will do something soon. Let’s look at some examples:

  • Hurry up! I’m fixin’ to (= will soon) leave without you!
  • He’s fixin’ to become the new head honcho (= the new boss).
  • I’m fixin’ to go to the store. Do you need anything?
  • She was fixin’ to (= was about to, was almost ready to) pull into the driveway when her car quit.

Usage

Use fixin’ to only in informal situations. In Texas and many parts of the American South, fixin’ to is common and may even be the normal way to express its meaning. Outside of its region, though, many people think it makes you sound like you’re from the country (a rural area) and not as educated.

Regardless of where you are, avoid fixin’ to in formal situations, as well as in most writing.

Do you have any questions about this expression? If so, you can leave a comment below. Also, don’t miss my article on y’all, another feature of Texas English!