Real

In Appalachian speech, "real" can mean "really" - used to emphasize just how much or how strongly something is.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We use this one real, real often.

Pronunciation

[REEL]

Elmer:

That pie’s real good.

Estel:

I know - Mama made it.

Elmer:

Is that ring real gold?

Estel:

Yep - got it at the pawn shop.

variations: None

★ When you hear "real" before an adjective in Appalachian talk, it’s like adding an exclamation point. ★

The adverb use of "real" instead of "really" has been around in American English for centuries, especially in rural dialects.

While common in casual Appalachian speech, some consider this usage nonstandard in formal writing.

Does "real" always replace "really"?

Not always - but in everyday conversation, it often does when emphasizing something.

Is this usage unique to Appalachia?

No, but it’s a strong feature of Appalachian and Southern speech.

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 9). Real. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/real
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Real." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/real.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Real." HillbillySlang.com. August 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/real.