Bust
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bust" is used in place of "burst" or "break." It can mean to pop, crack, split, or otherwise break something, from clothes and jars to balloons and tempers.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I've ever used 'burst' in my life. Too fancy. It's 'bust' all the way around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I've ever used 'burst' in my life. Too fancy. It's 'bust' all the way around here. Pronunciation
[BUHST]
Meaning & Usage
- To burst or pop (verb)
Mae:
What’s that sound?
What’s that sound?
Earl:
Balloon just bust.
Balloon just bust.- To break, crack, or split (verb)
Mae:
What happened to your pants?
What happened to your pants?
Earl:
Seam bust wide open.
Seam bust wide open.- To ruin, wear out, or damage (verb, figurative)
Mae:
How’s the mower?
How’s the mower?
Earl:
Done bust it again.
Done bust it again.variations: burst
★ In the South and Appalachia, folks rarely say "burst" - it’s always "bust." That swap gives everyday talk a country sound outsiders notice quick. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old French *bosten* ("to break apart"), which led to English "burst." By the 1700s, "bust" became a variant, and in Southern/Appalachian English it stuck as the common form.
Usage Notes
Still used daily in the South and Appalachia. Outsiders recognize it, but may hear it as informal or "country." Often paired with colorful phrases like bustin’ at the seams, bust your britches, and bust a gut.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "buhst."