Chillun
By DAN LANGFORD
I’m not sure how to spell this word, and am open for alternative suggestions. For those who don’t know, it’s the common Southern vernacular pronunciation for the word “children.”
I suppose it’s the way some Southerners actually say the word, though in my experience, it was more often used as a term of affection. Mama, a precise-speaking English major and high school English teacher before motherhood, would say it when addressing her children in masse, in a variety of circumstances. “Chillun,” she might say in a light and fun moment, ”how’d y’all like to make a churn of ice cream?” In an ordinary, hum-drum comment, she might say, “Chillun, jump in the station wagon. It’s time for piano lessons.” On occasions when our behavior was taxing her patience, she might say, “Chillun, I’m'o sell y’all to the gypsies if you don’t behave.”
Mama obviously knew (and knows) that the word is both spelled and pronounced “children,” but reverting into “chillun” as a term of affection and endearment has long been an accepted way of relaxing in the language. And that’s what Southerners do best — relax in the language.