As All Get Out

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "as all get out" is an intensifier meaning "extremely" or "to the highest degree." It’s used to emphasize how strong or extreme something is.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If you grew up here, then you use 'as all get out' often. I've heard it all my life.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

If you grew up here, then you use 'as all get out' often. I've heard it all my life.

Pronunciation

[az awl GIT-out]

Meaning & Usage

- Intensifier (phrase)

Mae:

That cobbler’s good as all get out.

Earl:

Sweetest blackberries I’ve had all year.

- Strong emphasis in criticism (phrase)

Mae:

He’s stubborn as all get out.

Earl:

Wouldn’t listen to his own mama.

variations: as can be, real ___, mighty ___, awful ___, plumb ___, plain ol’ ___, sure enough ___

★ "As all get out" always comes after an adjective - it’s not used on its own. Think of it as the Southern way of adding an exclamation point in speech. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase dates back to the 1800s, likely from expressions of disbelief like "Get out!" (meaning "No way!"). Over time it shifted into an intensifier. It stuck around especially in Southern and Appalachian English.

Usage Notes

Still common today across the South and Appalachia. Rarely seen in writing or movies, but natural in everyday talk. Often used for both praise and complaint.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "get out" with the stress on "get." It usually follows an adjective: "tired as all get out," "pretty as all get out."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "as all get out" mean?

It’s an intensifier - like saying "extremely" or "very."

Is it unique to Appalachia?

No - it’s used across the South, including Appalachia.

Do people still say it today?

Yes - it’s alive and well, especially in casual Southern and Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 30). As All Get Out. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/as-all-get-out
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "As All Get Out." HillbillySlang.com, 30 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/as-all-get-out.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "As All Get Out." HillbillySlang.com. August 30, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/as-all-get-out.

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