In Appalachian and Southern speech, "puny" can mean sickly, weak, or not feeling well. More broadly, it also keeps its older English sense of being small, meager, or undersized.
★ In much of the U.S., "puny" just means small. But in Appalachia and the South, it’s often about health - a weak body or a day you don’t feel right. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English "puisne," meaning younger, inferior, or of lesser rank. The meaning shifted over time, and in Appalachian and Southern speech it became tied to weakness, sickness, and smallness.
Usage Notes
Very common in Appalachia and the South, especially among older generations. Outside these regions, folks often misunderstand it as just "tiny" rather than "feeling poorly."
Say It Like a Southerner
In mountain speech, often softened: "pew-nee." Can sound more like "pyoo-nee" in other regions.
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...
You'll hear 'puny' instead of 'ill' out in the country. Probly not too much in town. 
