Bad sick means "very sick" or "seriously ill." In Southern and Appalachian speech, "bad" often acts as an intensifier - describing the degree, not the morality, of something.
You might hear somebody is 'bad off' or 'bad sick' if you're out in the country.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You might hear somebody is 'bad off' or 'bad sick' if you're out in the country.
Pronunciation
[BAD sick]
/bæd sɪk/
Meaning & Usage
- Seriously Ill (adjective phrase)
Used for a strong, serious sickness
Papaw:
He was bad sick with the flu last winter.
Mamaw:
We near about lost him - doctor come twice.
- Feeling Poorly / Laid Up (adjective phrase)
Used for everyday illness or weariness
Estel:
I was bad sick after that fair chili.
Elmer:
Told ya not to eat the red one.
★ Southerners often use "bad" for intensity: "bad tired," "bad lonesome," "bad cold." It softens "very" with plain, homey emphasis. ★
Origin and Etymology
Comes from older English usage of "bad" as an intensifier - preserved in Southern and Appalachian speech. Related forms appear in Scots-Irish and regional British dialects, which influenced mountain English.
Usage Notes
Common in rural and older Southern talk. "Bad sick" is understood instantly by locals but may sound informal elsewhere. "Real bad sick" adds extra weight and sympathy.
In formal English, yes - but in Southern and Appalachian dialect it’s natural and expressive.
Do people still say it?
Absolutely. It’s still common in the South, especially among older speakers or in rural conversation.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 9). Bad Sick. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bad-sick
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Bad Sick." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bad-sick.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Bad Sick." HillbillySlang.com. October 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bad-sick.
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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 might hear somebody is 'bad off' or 'bad sick' if you're out in the country. 
