rurnt

"Rurnt" is Appalachian for "ruined" - but not just any ruined. It’s used for something thoroughly spoiled, broken, or beyond saving, whether it’s food, a situation, or someone’s manners.

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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.

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.

other spellings: ruint, and ru'nt

★ If your granny says your biscuits are "rurnt," they’re not getting served. ★

Origin

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.

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

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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.