Chimbly
In Appalachian and Southern mountain speech, "chimbly" means chimney. The word comes from older English dialects where "chimney" was often pronounced "chimbley" or "chimbly," a form that still survives in some rural areas.
synonyms: chimney, flue
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Chimbly' is one of my favorites, but you hear it less and less these days. Mostly out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Chimbly' is one of my favorites, but you hear it less and less these days. Mostly out in the country. Pronunciation
[CHIM-blee] /ˈtʃɪm.bli/
Meaning & Usage
- Chimney (noun)
Granny:
Go fetch some wood. The fire’s dyin’ down in the chimbly.
Go fetch some wood. The fire’s dyin’ down in the chimbly.variations: chimbley, chimney
Origin and Etymology
From British and Scots dialects of the 1700s-1800s, where "chimney" often appeared as "chimbley." The form "chimbly" was carried to the Southern mountains by settlers and preserved in Appalachian and Ozark speech for generations.
Usage Notes
Still heard among older speakers or in storytelling. Often used affectionately or humorously to evoke old-time talk.
- "Smoke pourin’ out the chimbly" - fire’s goin’ strong
- "Birds in the chimbly again" - common spring nuisance