In Appalachian and rural Southern speech, "pert near" (also seen as "purt near" or "put near") means "almost" or "nearly". It’s an old-timey adverbial phrase still heard in small towns and country settings.
I've heard 'pert near,' but I'd say it's mostly old timers and out in the country now.
Pronunciation
[purt neer]
Meaning & Usage
- Almost, Nearly (adverb)
Close, but not quite
Hattie:
Is supper ready?
Clyde:
Pert near.
other spellings: purt near, put near
★ If you hear "pert near," it usually means someone’s about done - but not quite. ★
Origin
"Pert near" arose as a blend of "pretty near" or "purty near," with "purty" itself being a regional variant of "pretty." This clipped, blended form became a hallmark of Southern and Appalachian dialect speech by the 1800s.
Notes
This phrase is widely recognized as a rustic or dialect form. In some areas it’s still part of everyday conversation, while elsewhere it carries an old-timey or humorous feel. Writers sometimes use it to give dialogue a regional flavor.
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...