Pure-T
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "pure-T" is an intensifier meaning completely, utterly, or downright. It adds emphasis to almost anything - a colorful way to say something is the real deal, through and through.
synonyms: utterly, downright, completely, absolutely
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heared 'pure-T' growin' up, but I haven't heard it in years. It's a good one. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heared 'pure-T' growin' up, but I haven't heard it in years. It's a good one. Pronunciation
[PYUR-tee]
/ˈpjʊɹ.ti/
/ˈpjʊɹ.ti/
Meaning & Usage
- Completely; utterly; downright (adverb/intensifier)
Mae:
That stew’s pure-T delicious.
That stew’s pure-T delicious.
Earl:
And you’re pure-T lazy for not helpin’ wash up.
And you’re pure-T lazy for not helpin’ wash up.variations: pure-tee, pure tee
Origin and Etymology
"Pure-T" (also written "pure-tee") developed in Southern and Appalachian English as an intensifier meaning "utterly" or "completely." Its exact origin is uncertain, though it may have formed as a spoken flourish on "pure," similar to other regional amplifiers like "plumb," "right," or "clean." It’s been recorded in Southern speech since the early 1900s in phrases such as "pure-T foolishness," "pure-T crazy," and "pure-T cyarn."
Usage Notes
Common throughout the South and Appalachia, often for humor or emphasis.
- Used before adjectives or nouns: "pure-T nonsense," "pure-T truth."
- Interchangeable with other Southern intensifiers like "plumb" or "slam."
- Still widely recognized, especially among older speakers.