   Killed It DeadIn Southern and Appalachian speech, killed it dead is a colorful, emphatic way of saying you thoroughly or completely killed something - whether literally (like a snake) or figuratively (a plan, a rumor, a bad idea). synonyms: finished it off, ended it completely, stopped it cold Hillbilly Dude Says...  The expression 'killed it dead' can definitely be heard around here, it's common. Hillbilly Dude Says... The expression 'killed it dead' can definitely be heard around here, it's common. Pronunciation[KILLD-it-DEHD] /ˈkɪld ɪt dɛd/ Meaning & Usage- To destroy or stop something completely (saying/verb phrase)
Clyde:
Did you get that copperhead?
Bessie:
I sure did - I killed it dead.variations: killed it dead, kill it dead, killed him dead ★ Southerners use "killed it dead" for emphasis, sometimes even for jokes or exaggeration - "That gossip’s been killed dead" or "That deal’s been killed dead." ★ Origin and EtymologyA long-standing Southern and Appalachian expression built on intentional redundancy for emphasis. Documented in rural speech and folk humor across the South since at least the early 1900s. Usage Notes"Killed it dead" is a hallmark of Southern and Appalachian hyperbole. The phrase adds force to an already complete action - killing - by doubling it with "dead." This type of colorful redundancy shows up across the region ("beat the tar out of," "slam full," "burnt slap up"). While outsiders may find it humorous, it’s genuine and everyday speech to Southerners.
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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... |