Give Out

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Give Out" means to wear out, break down, or become exhausted - used about both people and things.

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synonyms: wore out, worn out, broken down, exhausted, plumb give out

Hillbilly Dude Says...

So many of these words and phrases I didn't realize was country. 'Give out' is one. I've heard it all my life.

Pronunciation

[GIV out] /ɡɪv aʊt/

Meaning & Usage

- To wear out or break down (verb)

Dale:

How’s your old mower holding up?

Earl:

It give out halfway through the yard.

- Completely exhausted (adjective)

Janie:

You look tired.

Sue:

I’m give out after that barn raising.

★ In standard English, "give out" usually means "distribute" or "announce." In Southern/Appalachian speech, it’s kept its older meaning of "wear out or fail," which applies to both people and objects. Adding "plumb" ("plumb give out") intensifies it even more. ★

Origin

Derived from older English usage where "give out" meant "fail" or "cease." This sense persisted in rural Southern and Appalachian speech long after it faded from standard English.

Notes

Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region, the "fail" or "wear out" meaning sounds quaint but is usually understood from context.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "give out" - often said without the -ed even for past tense: "it give out on me."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "give out" mean "distribute" too?

In standard English yes, but in Southern/Appalachian speech it also means "wear out" or "break down."

Is "give out" used about both people and machines?

Yes - "My legs give out" or "The engine give out."

What does "plumb give out" mean?

It’s the intensified form meaning "completely worn out or exhausted."