Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I go back and forth between 'probly' and 'prolly.' 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I go back and forth between 'probly' and 'prolly.' 

Pronunciation

[PRAHL-ee] or [PROH-lee]

Meaning & Usage

- Probably / Most Likely (adverb)

Mae:
Think it’ll snow tonight?
Earl:
Prolly - them clouds look heavy.
Ruby:
You goin’ fishin’ tomorrow?
Estel:
Prolly, if the river don’t rise.
variations: prolly, probly, prbly
★ "Prolly" and "probly" mean the same thing. Which one you use depends on how fast you talk - and how much you like trimming words down to size. ★

Origin and Etymology

A reduced form of "probably." In Appalachian and Southern speech, the middle syllables are often dropped. Over time, "probly" and "prolly" both took root as natural, casual variants.

Usage Notes

"Prolly" is common in texting, social media, and speech, especially among younger folks. In Appalachia, you’ll hear it right alongside "probly" - both are natural, informal speech patterns.

Say It Like a Southerner

Blend "probably" into two beats: "prol-ly." The "bab" sound in the middle vanishes, leaving a smooth "prolly." Said fast, it’s nearly one syllable.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "prolly" a real word?
It’s not standard English, but it’s widely recognized as a casual spoken form of "probably."
What’s the difference between "prolly" and "probly"?
They’re the same in meaning. "Prolly" smooths the word even more than "probly."
Do people write "prolly"?
Yes - especially online, where folks spell words the way they sound.
Is it just Appalachian?
No - it shows up all over English, but it’s especially at home in Appalachian and Southern dialects.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 18). Prolly. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/prolly
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Prolly." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/prolly.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Prolly." HillbillySlang.com. August 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/prolly.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site 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...
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