  As All Get OutIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "as all get out" is an intensifier meaning "extremely" or "to the highest degree." It’s used to emphasize how strong or extreme something is. Hillbilly Dude Says...  If you grew up here, then you use 'as all get out' often. I've heard it all my life. Pronunciation[az awl GIT-out] Meaning & Usage- Intensifier (phrase)
Mae:
That cobbler’s good as all get out.
Earl:
Sweetest blackberries I’ve had all year.- Strong emphasis in criticism (phrase)
Mae:
He’s stubborn as all get out.
Earl:
Wouldn’t listen to his own mama.other spellings: as can be, real ___, mighty ___, awful ___, plumb ___, plain ol’ ___, and sure enough ___ ★ "As all get out" always comes after an adjective - it’s not used on its own. Think of it as the Southern way of adding an exclamation point in speech. ★ OriginThe phrase dates back to the 1800s, likely from expressions of disbelief like "Get out!" (meaning "No way!"). Over time it shifted into an intensifier. It stuck around especially in Southern and Appalachian English. NotesStill common today across the South and Appalachia. Rarely seen in writing or movies, but natural in everyday talk. Often used for both praise and complaint. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "get out" with the stress on "get." It usually follows an adjective: "tired as all get out," "pretty as all get out." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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