fer instance

See also: fer-instance

English

Noun

fer instance (plural fer instances)

1. Alternative form of f'rinstance (“example”).
   • 1958, American Aviation Historical Society Journal, page 51:

     LIkewise, the dictates of economy prevent private firms from maintaining any but records essential to their relations with the tax collector. To give you a 'fer instance'; North American Aviation inherited, as successor company, the photo files of Fokker Aircraft Co., later General Aviation Corp., and Berliner-Joyce Co.

   • 2000, Susan Wittig Albert, Mistletoe Man, Berkley Prime Crime, published 2001, →ISBN:

     “Who else?” / Lila frowned. “Well, there’s Bob Godwin, just a fer instance, though you don’t need to go tellin’ him I said so. […]”

   • 2004, Parnell Hall, And a Puzzle to Die On (The Puzzle Lady Mysteries), New York, N.Y.: Bantam Dell, →ISBN, page 127:

     “[…] You get a call, you go out, ask some questions, figure out why. Sometimes it’s easy. Guy robs a convenience store, shot the clerk.” Sam scratched his head. “Actually, don’t think we’ve had one of those around here. ’Least not while I was on the job. But that’s just a fer instance. […]”

   • 2010, W. R. Hagen, Under the Blue Sun, Xlibris, →ISBN, page 62:

     “What if the natives are doing them in?” asked Oran. “Hells, maybe they’re cannibals. Or maybe they feed them to their god, the jaw fish?” / “Heathen sacrifice!” exclaimed the preacher. “It could be going on right under our noses.” The Preacher Mock was amused by his outburst, but he managed to keep a smile off his face. / “Oh, jeez,” scolded Fron. “Oran is just givin’ us a fer instance. You gets too carried away.”

   • 2011, Steve Amick, “Not Even Lions and Tigers”, in Keith Taylor, Laura Kasischke, editors, Ghost Writers: Us Haunting Them, Detroit, Mich.: Wayne State University Press, →ISBN:

     Maybe not let him poke around at the Lodge and ask a lot of specifics, but maybe just offer them some “fer instances”; start them down the right track.

   • 2012, Al Vasquez, A Sniper’s Trail, Windmills International Editions, Inc., →ISBN, pages 82–83:

     “Jim, let me give you a fer instance, imagine hordes of vicious scorpions and rattle snakes with wings and that is exactly what you guys are dealing with. America does not yet realize the hell that has been unleashed.”

   • 2018, Donald Robb, The Case Of the Curious Angel: And Remo’s Odyssey Century One, New York, N.Y.: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc, →ISBN:

     “You’re kidding! You guys make mistakes?” / “Not exactly mistakes, more like over stepping our limits a little, perhaps.” / “Gimme a fer instance, can you?” asked Mike.

   • 2020, Keith Hill, The Reunion, Conneaut Lake, Pa.: Page Publishing, Inc., →ISBN:

     “What did you and Wally conclude from all of this?” / “We…” Lorna flushed. “I am concerned about your apparent lack of motivation to better yourself at work and socially.” / Now it’s all starting to come out, William thought. He smiled sardonically. “So you and Wally have decided that I’m becoming a social misfit as well.” / “Not we have decided,” she bristled. “I have decided.” / “Fer instance.” / “Okay, I’ll give you some ‘fer instances.’” She stood up and booted the log in the fireplace. A lock of hair spilled over her forehead. “As you damn well know, I have always accompanied you to every social function associated with your work or anything else. […]”