onry

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "onry" is a common shortened pronunciation and spelling of "ornry," meaning irritable, mischievous, or stubborn. It’s often used in a teasing or affectionate way.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

Somtimes pronounced, own-ree, people use 'onry all the time these days in the south.

Pronunciation

[ON-ree]

Meaning & Usage

- Mischievous or Playfully Troublesome (adjective)

Mae:

That boy’s onry, but you can’t help but like him.

- Mean-Tempered or Irritable (adjective)

Earl:

Old Mr. Jenkins is too onry to let anyone help him.

- Stubborn or Contrary (adjective)

Ruby:

That goat’s so onry he climbed right through the fence again.

other spellings: onry, ornry, and ornery

★ "Onry" is almost always used in casual, familiar conversation. It can be lighthearted or serious depending on tone, and in many communities it’s just as common - or more common - than "ornry." ★

Origin

A clipped, dialect form of "ornery," itself an American alteration of "ordinary" that shifted in meaning during the 19th century. Dropping syllables is a common feature of Appalachian and Southern speech, making "onry" a natural development.

Notes

While "ornry" is more common in print, "onry" is frequently heard in everyday speech, especially in rural areas. Writers often use "onry" in dialogue to capture authentic voice.

Say It Like a Southerner

Drop the middle syllable entirely - "ornery" becomes "onry." Start with "on" like in "on the porch," then slide straight into "ree." In playful speech, it’s often said with a smile or chuckle, especially about kids, pets, or friends acting up.

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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.

Is it usually meant as an insult?

Not necessarily - it’s often affectionate when said about kids, pets, or friends.