Purty
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "purty" is the common pronunciation (and often the spelling) of "pretty." It can describe appearance, size, or degree - just like "pretty" in standard English.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you grew up down here, chances are it comes out 'purty' instead of 'pretty.' Purty sure, at least. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you grew up down here, chances are it comes out 'purty' instead of 'pretty.' Purty sure, at least. Pronunciation
[PURR-tee] /ˈpɜːrti/ (regional) · [PRIT-ee] /ˈprɪti/ (standard)
Meaning & Usage
- Attractive, nice-looking (adjective)
Mae:
How’s she look?
How’s she look?
Earl:
She’s purty as a picture.
She’s purty as a picture.- Fairly; quite (adverbial use)
Mae:
Was it good?
Was it good?
Earl:
Yeah, purty good.
Yeah, purty good.variations: pretty (standard), purty near ("pretty near"), purty good ("pretty good")
★ "Purty" preserves the older British and Southern vowel shift of "pretty" → "purty." It’s one of the most recognizable Appalachian pronunciations and often appears in humorous writing and songs. ★
Origin and Etymology
Recorded in regional speech across the South and Appalachia for generations. Reflects a natural vowel change in unstressed syllables, creating the "ur" sound in place of "i."
Usage Notes
Still widely heard today. Outside the region "purty" can look quaint or playful but is instantly understood as "pretty."
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "purty" rhymes with "dirty." Use it for "pretty" or "quite" as in "purty near."