Dice
 
 
 
 
 
synonyms: ornery, cranky, stubborn, mean-tempered, contrary
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Somtimes pronounced, own-ree, people use 'onry all the time these days in the south. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Somtimes pronounced, own-ree, people use 'onry all the time these days in the south. 

Pronunciation

[ON-ree] /ˈɔːnri/

Meaning & Usage

- Cranky or grouchy (adjective)

Elmer:
That rooster’s been pure onry all morning - won’t let me near the coop.

- Stubborn or hard to handle (adjective)

Clara:
That boy’s as onry as a mule. Won’t listen to a word I say.
variations: ornery

Origin and Etymology

A pronunciation-based spelling of "ornery," which itself comes from a clipped form of "ordinary." The shortened sound "on-ree" is widely heard in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Usage Notes

  • Onry is not a typo - it reflects how the word is actually spoken in Southern and Appalachian dialects.
  • Though ornery is the standard spelling, onry is common in writing that aims to capture local speech.
  • Both mean the same thing: cranky, stubborn, mischievous, or aggravating.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "onry" a real word?
It’s a nonstandard spelling of "ornery," but widely recognized in dialect writing.
Does "onry" mean the same as "ornry"?
Yes - the difference is in pronunciation and regional flavor.
Where is "onry" most common?
Rural South, Appalachia, and some Midwestern regions.
Which spelling should I use?
"Ornery" is standard in writing, but "onry" is widely recognized in dialectal and informal contexts.
Is it usually meant as an insult?
Not necessarily - it’s often affectionate when said about kids, pets, or friends.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 12). Onry. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/onry
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Onry." HillbillySlang.com, 12 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/onry.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Onry." HillbillySlang.com. October 12, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/onry.
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