pert near

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.

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synonyms: almost, nearly

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.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Is "pert near" a real phrase?
Yes. It’s a traditional dialect form, mostly Southern/Appalachian, and well-documented in regional English.
How is it different from "almost"?
Meaning-wise, it isn’t - but "pert near" adds a down-home or old-fashioned tone.
Do people still say "pert near" today?
Absolutely. It’s rarer among younger speakers, but you’ll still hear it in rural communities and from older folks.
Where does "pert near" come from?
It’s a contracted, blended form of "pretty near," showing how spoken English naturally shortens and shifts over time.
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