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Hillbilly Dude Says...
I often say something like Play audio 'oh man that's rurnt.' And I still hear it plenty these days. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I often say something like Play audio 'oh man that's rurnt.' And I still hear it plenty these days. 

Pronunciation

[RUR-nt]

Meaning & Usage

- Ruined (adjective)

Elmer:
Wuttin you 'bout to open up 'at box and git your lunch out?
Estel:
Man I opened it. I shouldn't o'left it out in the car. Hit smells rurnt.

- Spoiled (adjective)

Elmer:
'At dog won't eat nuthin' but roast beef sammiches.
Estel:
'At's 'cause y'all done spoilt him. He's rurnt.
variations: ruint, ru'nt
★ If your granny says your biscuits are "rurnt," they’re not getting served. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely a dialectal alteration of "ruined," influenced by rapid or slurred pronunciation in Southern and Appalachian speech. Similar forms like "ruint" and "ru’nt" have been documented for centuries in rural English.

Usage Notes

"Rurnt" carries extra emphasis compared to "ruined." It’s often delivered with a particular drawl and stress, making it clear the damage - whether physical or figurative - is total.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Do people still say "rurnt" today?
Yes. It’s still used in Appalachian and Southern speech when something is especially ruined.
Where did "rurnt" originate?
It’s a regional variant of "ruined" that has been passed down through generations. While its exact origin is uncertain, it likely stems from older rural pronunciations preserved in the mountains.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 15). Rurnt. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rurnt
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Rurnt." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rurnt.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Rurnt." HillbillySlang.com. September 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rurnt.
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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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