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Bust

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bust" is used in place of "burst" or "break." It can mean to pop, crack, split, or otherwise break something, from clothes and jars to balloons and tempers.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I've ever used 'burst' in my life. Too fancy. It's 'bust' all the way around here. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I've ever used 'burst' in my life. Too fancy. It's 'bust' all the way around here. 

Pronunciation

[BUHST]

Meaning & Usage

- To burst or pop (verb)

Mae:
What’s that sound?
Earl:
Balloon just bust.

- To break, crack, or split (verb)

Mae:
What happened to your pants?
Earl:
Seam bust wide open.

- To ruin, wear out, or damage (verb, figurative)

Mae:
How’s the mower?
Earl:
Done bust it again.
variations: burst
★ In the South and Appalachia, folks rarely say "burst" - it’s always "bust." That swap gives everyday talk a country sound outsiders notice quick. ★

Origin and Etymology

From Old French *bosten* ("to break apart"), which led to English "burst." By the 1700s, "bust" became a variant, and in Southern/Appalachian English it stuck as the common form.

Usage Notes

Still used daily in the South and Appalachia. Outsiders recognize it, but may hear it as informal or "country." Often paired with colorful phrases like bustin’ at the seams, bust your britches, and bust a gut.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "buhst."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "bust" wrong grammar?
Not in Southern/Appalachian speech - it’s the natural form. Standard English prefers "burst," but "bust" has deep roots.
Does it always mean break?
Mostly, yes - though it can stretch to mean ruin or damage.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - it’s still a core part of everyday Southern/Appalachian talk.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 6). Bust. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bust
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Bust." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bust.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Bust." HillbillySlang.com. September 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bust.
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