What does anyways mean?
Anyways is an adverb used in two main ways: to signal a return to the main point of a conversation after a digression, and to express that something is true or happens regardless of obstacles or objections. It functions identically to the more standard word 'anyway', from which it differs chiefly in register rather than meaning. Anyways is firmly rooted in informal speech — particularly in North America — where it appears constantly in casual conversation, often punctuating a shift back to a topic ('anyways, where were we?') or shrugging off a complication ('it was expensive, but I bought it anyways'). Most dictionaries and style guides label it nonstandard and recommend 'anyway' for written work, yet the word has persisted for centuries despite repeated criticism. Its resilience makes it a fascinating example of how colloquial forms can endure alongside their more prestigious counterparts.
adverbUsed to resume or conclude a line of thought after a digression, or to indicate that something is true or done regardless of other considerations. It is a variant of 'anyway' and is widely regarded as informal or nonstandard.
- Used to return to or close off a topic after a digression: 'Anyways, as I was saying…'
- Indicating that something happens or is true regardless of other factors: 'I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyways.'
"It was raining, but we went for the hike anyways."
"The meeting ran long, but anyways, let's pick this up tomorrow."
"She said she didn't want to come, but she showed up anyways."
Despite being dismissed as an error by style guides for generations, 'anyways' has stubbornly survived centuries of criticism — and it's still going strong in everyday speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does anyways come from?
Anyways arose in English as a variant of 'anyway', formed by adding the plural-style suffix '-s' to the adverb, a pattern seen in other colloquial adverbs such as 'towards' alongside 'toward'. It has been attested since at least the nineteenth century, though some sources trace similar forms earlier. The word shares its origin with 'any' (from Old English 'ǣnig') combined with 'way' (from Old English 'weg'), making its building blocks thoroughly Germanic rather than classical.
How anyways is actually used
Considered informal or nonstandard by most dictionaries and style guides; 'anyway' is the preferred form in writing. Common in casual American speech, less frequent in British usage.
Easily confused with anyways
'Anyway' is the standard form acceptable in all registers, while 'anyways' is an informal variant that many style guides consider nonstandard.