sull up

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Sull Up" is a verb meaning to pout, sulk, or refuse to engage - a distinct regionalism with Scots-Irish roots.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't hear 'sull up' growin' up, but it's one you can hear out in the country two counties over. So it must be regional.

Pronunciation

[SULL up] /sʌl ʌp/

Meaning & Usage

- To pout, sulk, or withdraw stubbornly (verb)

Ella:

He didn’t get the last biscuit.

Nate:

Now he’s sulled up in the corner.

variations: Sulled Up, Sulling Up, Poutin’, Sulk

★ "Sull up" is a distinct Southern/Appalachian verb, not widely used elsewhere. It’s a favorite for describing a child or adult who clams up or sits out after not getting their way. ★

Origin

From older Scots-Irish and regional English "sull," meaning to sulk or be stubborn. Early settlers carried it to Appalachia, where it became common in everyday speech.

Notes

Strongly Southern/Appalachian. Outside the region "sull up" is rarely understood, making it a clear marker of regional speech. Often used in humorous or affectionate tones.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "sull up" (present tense) or "sulled up" (past tense), with the "u" like "up" and "sull" rhyming with "dull."

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Is "sull up" still used today?

Yes - especially among older speakers or in rural areas.

Does it only apply to people?

Mostly, but you might also hear it jokingly about pets or even cars ("the engine sulled up on me").

How does it differ from "pout"?

"Sull up" implies a deeper, more stubborn withdrawal, not just a facial expression.