Plumb
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Plumb" is an old intensifier meaning "completely" or "entirely," often attached to adjectives for emphasis.
synonyms: completely, totally, entirely, absolutely
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use 'plumb' plumb often - and I hear it often. It's common down here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use 'plumb' plumb often - and I hear it often. It's common down here. Pronunciation
[PLUM] /plʌm/
Meaning & Usage
- Completely or entirely (intensifier) (adverb)
Mae:
I’m plumb wore out after that barn raising.
I’m plumb wore out after that barn raising.★ "Plumb" originally referred to a plumb line used to measure straightness. In older English, "plumb" came to mean "exactly" or "straight down," then "completely." Southern/Appalachian speech kept this old meaning alive as an intensifier. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle French "plombe" and Latin "plumbum" (lead), referring to a plumb line. English speakers extended "plumb" metaphorically to mean "exactly," then "completely." This sense persisted in rural Southern/Appalachian speech long after it faded from standard English.
Usage Notes
Still very common in Southern/Appalachian speech as a folksy intensifier. Outside the region it sounds old-fashioned or humorous but is easily understood.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "plumb" rhymes with "thumb," often said with a soft drawl. It’s not the fruit "plum" but an old English word meaning "exact" or "completely."