Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

they

the mange

In Appalachian speech, "the mange" is a skin disease that causes hair loss and sores in animals - and sometimes a joking way to describe something ragged or worn out.

#Appalachia

Pronunciation

[thuh MAINJ]

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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.

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Meaning & Usage

- Animal skin disease (noun)

Literal use
Elmer:
That poor hound’s got the mange.

Estel:
Best get him some treatment ‘fore it spreads.

- Ragged or patchy condition (figurative use)

Describing something shabby
Elmer:
That coat looks like it’s got the mange.

Estel:
Been wearin’ it twenty winters.

other spellings: mange, the-mange, and ``
★ If someone says your jacket’s "got the mange," they’re probably teasing - but they’re also saying it’s in rough shape. ★

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