Probly
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "probly" is a clipped form of "probably," meaning most likely or very likely. It’s the natural reduced version used in everyday talk.
synonyms: probably, most likely
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I say 'probly' instead of the fancy way with that extra syllable. Ain't got time to waste on 'at. Might also hear 'pobbly'. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I say 'probly' instead of the fancy way with that extra syllable. Ain't got time to waste on 'at. Might also hear 'pobbly'. Pronunciation
[PRAHB-lee] or [PRAH-blee]
/ˈprɑb.li/ • /ˈprɑ.bli/
/ˈprɑb.li/ • /ˈprɑ.bli/
Meaning & Usage
- Probably / Most likely (adverb)
Mae:
You comin’ over afterwhile?
You comin’ over afterwhile?
Earl:
Probly, if I get them beans strung in time.
Probly, if I get them beans strung in time.
Ruby:
Think it’ll rain?
Think it’ll rain?
Estel:
Prolly. Sky looks heavy.
Prolly. Sky looks heavy.★ If you hear "probly," you’re listening to natural speech. English drops unnecessary syllables all the time, and mountain talk just takes it one step further - quick, clipped, and to the point. ★
Origin and Etymology
A reduced form of "probably," documented in English dialects since at least the 1800s. The middle syllable often disappears in fast or casual speech. Appalachian and Southern English preserve this reduced form in everyday talk, while "prolly" represents an even more compressed version.
Usage Notes
"Probly" is common across the United States, but has stronger ties to rural Southern and Appalachian speech. It rarely appears in formal writing, but shows up naturally in conversation, texting, and dialect storytelling.
- Used in relaxed, fast-paced speech.
- "Prolly" appears when sounds blend even more.
- Not considered standard, but widely understood.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 17). Probly. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/probly
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Probly." HillbillySlang.com, 17 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/probly.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Probly." HillbillySlang.com. November 17, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/probly.
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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...