Probly
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "probly" is a shortened form of "probably." It means the same thing - but folks clip the middle syllable in casual talk.
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]
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.variations: probly, prolly, prbly
★ "Probly" sounds casual, even lazy - but it’s normal in speech. Folks save time by clipping syllables, especially in everyday mountain conversation. ★
Origin
A reduced form of "probably," found in dialects across English. In Appalachian and Southern speech, the middle syllable often disappears, leaving "probly." The "prolly" form comes from blending sounds together even more.
Notes
You’ll rarely see "probly" in formal writing, but you’ll hear it daily in spoken English. It’s especially common in relaxed, rural speech where extra syllables tend to get dropped.
Say It Like a Southerner
Drop the middle syllable of "probably." Instead of "PROB-a-bly," just say "PROB-ly." In fast speech, it can even slide to "PROLL-y."