Privy
In Southern and Appalachian speech, privy means an outdoor toilet or outhouse. The word comes from old English roots meaning "private" and stuck around in rural areas long after the rest of the country moved on to indoor plumbing.
I've only read 'privy', not heard it in real life. I'd like to bring that one back. I've only read 'privy', not heard it in real life. I'd like to bring that one back. Pronunciation
/ˈprɪ.vi/
Meaning & Usage
- Outdoor toilet; outhouse (noun)
The wind’s cuttin’ sharp tonight - I ain’t walkin’ clear out to the privy if I can help it.You best take a lantern, or you’ll step in somethin’ you don’t wanna.Origin and Etymology
From Middle English privé (private place), derived from Old French and Latin roots meaning "separate" or "set apart." The sense of "toilet" dates to the 1500s in England and continued in America, particularly in rural Southern and Appalachian communities, well into the 20th century.
Usage Notes
While "privy" once sounded proper, today it’s a rustic or nostalgic term. In the South, older speakers may still use it in stories or humor. The word is sometimes revived in historical writing or living-history demonstrations describing pioneer or Depression-era life.