In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Tuckered Out" means tired or worn out - a long-standing phrase that also appears in other rural American dialects.
You’ll hear "Tuckered Out" in Southern and Appalachian speech to describe someone tired, worn out, or exhausted - a classic old-time expression.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You’ll hear "Tuckered Out" in Southern and Appalachian speech to describe someone tired, worn out, or exhausted - a classic old-time expression.
Pronunciation
[TUCK-erd OUT] /ˈtʌkɚd aʊt/
Meaning & Usage
- Tired or worn out (adjective)
Describing someone’s fatigue
Clara:
How’s the crew doing?
Roy:
They’re tuckered out after that fence-raising.
variations: Worn Out, Give Out, Plumb Tuckered Out, Exhausted
★ "Tuckered out" probably originated from an old English dialect word "tucker" meaning "to beat" or "to tire." It became especially common in Appalachian and rural Southern speech, often paired with "plumb" for extra emphasis ("plumb tuckered out"). ★
Origin and Etymology
Recorded in Appalachian English from the 19th century onward. Derived from British dialect "tucker" (to tire) and carried to the U.S. by settlers; it became a staple of rural American and Southern speech.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in rural Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it’s considered quaint or humorous but instantly understood as "tired."
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "tuckered out" - "tuckered" often softened to "tuck-erd," especially in rural speech.
Mostly, but it can also describe animals or even machines ("That old mower’s tuckered out").
Is it still used today?
Yes - it’s a familiar folksy way to say "tired," especially among older speakers or in nostalgic contexts.
How does it relate to "plumb tuckered out"?
"Plumb tuckered out" is simply the intensified form, meaning "completely exhausted."
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Tuckered Out. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/tuckered-out
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Tuckered Out." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/tuckered-out.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Tuckered Out." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/tuckered-out.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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 "Tuckered Out" in Southern and Appalachian speech to describe someone tired, worn out, or exhausted - a classic old-time expression. 
