   Worser’n Anythin’In Appalachian and Southern speech, "worser" is a nonstandard comparative of "worse." The phrase "worser than anything" intensifies the comparison to mean "far worse than anything." #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #DialectandGrammar #OldTimers #Southern synonyms: much worse, worse by far, a sight worse Hillbilly Dude Says...  I've heard 'worser than anything' all my life, but it's more of an old timers thing, and out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says... I've heard 'worser than anything' all my life, but it's more of an old timers thing, and out in the country. Pronunciation[WORE-ser] /ˈwɔːrsər/ Meaning & Usage- Emphatic Comparative ("far worse than anything")
Mae:
That ice storm was worser than anything we’ve had in years.
Earl:
Took down half the ridge.- General Nonstandard Comparative ("worse")
Hazel:
His cough’s gettin’ worser.
Ruby:
Needs to rest and keep warm.variations: worser, worser ’n anything, worse than anything, worser than ever, worser off ★ "Worser" is attested in older English and survived in dialect speech. In the South/Appalachia it adds punch, much like "a sight worse" or "ten times worse." ★ Origin and EtymologyFrom Middle/early Modern English where double-marked comparatives like "worser" appeared in speech and literature. The form persisted in rural American varieties, including Southern and Appalachian English. Usage NotesCommon in older and rural speech; younger speakers may switch to "worse" in writing but still say "worser" in casual talk. You’ll hear set collocations:
Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: often "worser ’n anything" with ’n for "than," or just "worser" by itself. | ...
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 and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home