Worser
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "worser" is the nonstandard comparative of "worse." Standard English uses "worse," but "worser" survived regionally from older English.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've always heard 'worser,' but it's more of an old timers thing nowadays. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've always heard 'worser,' but it's more of an old timers thing nowadays. Pronunciation
[WUR-ser] /ˈwɜːrsɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- More bad; worse than (adjective)
Mae:
Was it bad?
Was it bad?
Earl:
Yep-worser than last winter.
Yep-worser than last winter.variations: worse (standard), more bad, worser’n (worse than)
★ "Worser" comes straight from older English-Shakespeare used it. Southern/Appalachian speech kept it as a colorful intensifier long after standard English dropped it. Adding "’n" makes "worser’n" = "worse than." ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English "wors" + "-er," a double comparative meaning "more worse." Especially common in the South, South Midland, and Ozarks, it survived in Appalachian and rural Southern speech where older English forms lingered.
Usage Notes
Still heard today in rural and older speakers’ talk. Outside the region it reads as nonstandard but is easily understood. Often used for emphasis or comic effect.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "worser’n" = "worse than." Often sounds like "wurs’rn" in quick speech.