Give Out
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Give Out" means to wear out, break down, or become exhausted - used about both people and things.
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synonyms: wore out, worn out, broken down, exhausted, plumb give out
Hillbilly Dude Says...
So many of these words and phrases I didn't realize was country. 'Give out' is one. I've heard it all my life. Hillbilly Dude Says...
So many of these words and phrases I didn't realize was country. 'Give out' is one. I've heard it all my life. Pronunciation
[GIV out] /ɡɪv aʊt/
Meaning & Usage
- To wear out or break down (verb)
Dale:
How’s your old mower holding up?
How’s your old mower holding up?
Earl:
It give out halfway through the yard.
It give out halfway through the yard.- Completely exhausted (adjective)
Janie:
You look tired.
You look tired.
Sue:
I’m give out after that barn raising.
I’m give out after that barn raising.★ In standard English, "give out" usually means "distribute" or "announce." In Southern/Appalachian speech, it’s kept its older meaning of "wear out or fail," which applies to both people and objects. Adding "plumb" ("plumb give out") intensifies it even more. ★
Origin and Etymology
Derived from older English usage where "give out" meant "fail" or "cease." This sense persisted in rural Southern and Appalachian speech long after it faded from standard English.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region, the "fail" or "wear out" meaning sounds quaint but is usually understood from context.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "give out" - often said without the -ed even for past tense: "it give out on me."