Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

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◀ onry

ornry

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ornry" (a local pronunciation of "ornery") means irritable, mean-tempered, mischievous, or stubborn - often used for people, animals, or even inanimate things that give you trouble.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...
I hear 'ornry' all the time. Might be referrin' to people or animals... or maybe a weed you caint pull up. 

Pronunciation

[ORN-ree] or [ON-ree]

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Meaning & Usage

- Mean-Tempered or Irritable (adjective)

Mae:
Don’t bother Clyde before he’s had coffee - he’s ornry as a snake.

- Mischievous or Playfully Troublesome (adjective)

Earl:
That young’un’s ornry, but he’ll make you laugh while he’s at it.

- Stubborn or Contrary (adjective)

Ruby:
That mule’s too ornry to walk the same path twice.
other spellings: ornry, and ornery
★ "Ornry" can be an insult or a backhanded compliment, depending on tone. Around here, being called ornry can mean you’re cranky - or just full of spirited mischief. ★

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