Clumb
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "clumb" is the older past tense of "climb." Standard English uses "climbed" today, but "clumb" survived regionally in everyday talk.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you're out in the country, you'll hear 'clumb' - but mostly from old timers these days. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you're out in the country, you'll hear 'clumb' - but mostly from old timers these days. Pronunciation
[KLUM] /klʌm/
Meaning & Usage
- Past tense of "climb" (verb)
Mae:
How’d he get that high?
How’d he get that high?
Earl:
He just clumb right up there.
He just clumb right up there.variations: clum
★ "Clumb" reflects older English verb patterns. Southern/Appalachian speech kept it long after mainstream American English switched to "climbed." Other verbs show similar patterns (swum/swim, drug/dragged). ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English "climban" with the past tense "clomb" or "clumb." Especially common in the South, South Midland, and Ozarks, this term preserves an older form of English verb conjugation.
Usage Notes
Still heard today among older speakers and in rural talk. Outside the region it reads as quaint or archaic but is easily understood. Often used in storytelling or humor to evoke an old-time feel.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "clumb" rhymes with "thumb." Commonly appears as "clumb up" or "had clumb."