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/
/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."
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Plumb. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/plumb
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Plumb." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/plumb.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Plumb." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/plumb.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...