Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Fried Okry

In Appalachian and Southern cooking, "fried okry" (okra) is sliced okra, battered or dredged in cornmeal, then fried crisp in oil or lard. A summertime staple, it’s often served alongside beans, cornbread, or tomatoes.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #FoodandDrink   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
When it's done right - I'm not talkin' frozen - 'fried okry' is delicious. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
When it's done right - I'm not talkin' frozen - 'fried okry' is delicious. 

Pronunciation

[OHK-ree] or [OHK-ry]

Meaning & Usage

- Okra sliced, battered, and fried crisp (noun dish)

Mae:
What sides we got tonight?
Earl:
Beans, cornbread, and fried okry.

- A traditional Appalachian & Southern side dish (noun dish)

Mae:
They brought a big bowl of fried okry to the reunion.
variations: okra, fried okra, fried okrey, cornmeal okry, fried okree
★ The trick is hot oil and cornmeal. Done right, fried okry is crisp and golden, not slimy. ★

Origin and Etymology

Okra came to the American South through West Africa, where it was a staple crop. In Appalachia and the South, it became central to summer gardens and frying traditions.

Usage Notes

Still common on Appalachian and Southern tables, especially in summer. While "fried okra" is understood everywhere, locals often say "fried okry."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "ohk-ree" or "ohk-ry." The final "a" in okra is dropped in regional speech, making it "okry."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Why do people say "okry" instead of "okra"?
The final "a" is dropped in Appalachian and Southern speech, making it sound like "okry."
Is fried okry slimy?
Not if it’s cooked right - frying makes it crisp.
What do you eat it with?
Beans, cornbread, tomatoes, chicken, or just about any country supper.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 2). Fried Okry. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fried-okry
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Fried Okry." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fried-okry.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Fried Okry." HillbillySlang.com. September 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/fried-okry.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home