Mullygrubs

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "mullygrubs" refers to a state of low spirits, gloominess, or the blues, often describing someone who feels out of sorts or downhearted.

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synonyms: the blues, down in the dumps, the doldrums, low spirits, a funk

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Mullygrubs' is a fantastic one, I love it.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Mullygrubs' is a fantastic one, I love it.

Pronunciation

[MULL-ee-grubs]
/ˈmʌliˌɡrʌbz/

Meaning & Usage

- A gloomy spell or low spirits (noun)

Mae:

You okay today?

Earl:

Nah" got the mullygrubs somethin’ awful.

- A vague bout of physical blahs (noun)

Ruby:

Why ain’t you at the store?

Estel:

Got the mullygrubs. Might be comin’ down with somethin’.

variations: mollygrubs, mulligrubs, mully-grubs

★ Someone with the mullygrubs ain’t necessarily sick - just out of sorts, draggy, or weighed down by a mood that came outta nowhere. ★

Origin and Etymology

The word "mullygrubs" descends from older British forms such as "megrims" and "mullygrubs," terms once used for fits of low spirits or digestive upset. These older words came over with English settlers and settled firmly into Southern and Appalachian speech, where the meaning narrowed to a temporary spell of gloom or the sulks. By the 1800s it was already well established in rural American dialects, especially in the mountain South.

Usage Notes

"Mullygrubs" is an old Southern and Appalachian term, most often heard among older speakers or in families where traditional dialect is still alive. It describes a temporary spell of low spirits rather than serious depression, and it’s usually said with sympathy or gentle humor.

Mild, passing gloom - used when someone is down, pouty, or blue for a spell.
Family-centered word - often heard from grandparents and great-grandparents.
Tone matters - it can sound teasing ("He’s got the mullygrubs again") or tender ("Bless her heart, she’s got the mullygrubs today").

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "mullygrubs" mean actual sickness?

Not usually - it’s more emotional or general malaise.

Is it the same as "the blues"?

Close, but "mullygrubs" often implies a vague physical drag along with the mood.

Do younger people still use it?

Less often, but many still recognize it, and it’s alive and well in Southern/Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 9). Mullygrubs. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mullygrubs
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Mullygrubs." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mullygrubs.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Mullygrubs." HillbillySlang.com. December 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mullygrubs.