Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Another one of those everday terms, you can hear 'spoilt' everwhere. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Another one of those everday terms, you can hear 'spoilt' everwhere. 

Pronunciation

[SPULT]

Meaning & Usage

- Overindulged (adjective)

Elmer:
That young’un won’t lift a finger to help.
Estel:
Well, y’all done spoilt him.

- Gone bad (adjective)

Elmer:
Don’t eat that ham - it’s spoilt.
Estel:
Smells like it, too.
variations: spoiled, spoilt, spolt
★ If your granny says something’s "spoilt," you can bet she means it’s no good - whether she’s talkin’ about a pie or a person. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the standard English "spoil," with the past participle form "spoilt" preserved in British English and older American dialects. Appalachian speech kept this older form even as most of the U.S. shifted to "spoiled."

Usage Notes

"Spoilt" is still used in much of the South and Appalachia in both senses. The pronunciation can drop the "oi" sound in fast speech, producing "spolt."

Say It Like a Southerner

It almost rhymes with 'cult'. Just back off the 'l' a little.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "spoilt" correct English?
Yes - it’s the older past participle of "spoil," still common in British English and some American dialects.
Is "spoilt" more common than "spoiled" in Appalachia?
In casual speech, yes. Many speakers use "spoilt" without thinking about it.
Does "spoilt" always mean something went bad?
No - it can also mean overindulged, especially when talking about children or pets.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 31). Spoilt. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/spoilt
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Spoilt." HillbillySlang.com, 31 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/spoilt.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Spoilt." HillbillySlang.com. August 31, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/spoilt.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
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...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home