In Appalachian talk, "right smart" means "a considerable amount" or "quite a lot." It can also mean "pretty good" or "fairly skilled," depending on the context.
I haven't heard 'right smart' around here before. Kinda like 'airish.'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I haven't heard 'right smart' around here before. Kinda like 'airish.'
Pronunciation
[rahyt SMART]
Meaning & Usage
- A large amount (noun phrase)
Talking about a harvest
Mae:
How many beans y’all pick?
Earl:
A right smart - filled two baskets easy.
- Quite a bit / fairly skilled (adverbial use)
On a person’s talent
Estel:
That boy’s a right smart on the guitar.
Ruby:
Yep, he can pick near as good as his uncle.
variations: considerable, a lot, fair amount, plenty, good bit
★ When someone says "a right smart," they’re not talking about brains - they mean quantity or degree. Context tells you if it’s about "a lot of stuff" or "pretty good at something." ★
Origin and Etymology
The phrase comes from older British English, where "smart" could mean quick or vigorous, and "right" meant "very" or "quite." Early settlers carried it across the Atlantic, and in Appalachia it shifted into a measure of "a considerable amount" or "fairly capable."
Usage Notes
"Right smart" is still common in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially among older folks. It shows up in conversation about harvests, chores, and talents. Outside the region, it may be mistaken for meaning "very intelligent," but that’s not how it’s used here.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "rahyt smar(t)." The "right" doesn’t mean correct - it means "very" or "quite." Paired with "smart," it turns into a measure word for quantity or degree.
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...
How many beans y’all pick?