   Plumb BrokeIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "Plumb Broke" means completely broke or having no money at all - a folksy intensifier phrase built from the regional word "plumb." Hillbilly Dude Says...  If you grew up down here, 'plumb broke' is part of your normal conversation. Pronunciation[PLUM BROKE] /plʌm broʊk/ Meaning & Usage- Completely out of money (intensified adjective)
Jeb:
You want to go out to eat?
Martha:
Can’t - I’m plumb broke.variations: Flat Broke, Dead Broke, Stone Broke, Plumb Out of Cash ★ The power of "plumb" as an intensifier turns "broke" into "flat broke" or "stone broke" times ten. Rural Southerners and Appalachians have used "plumb broke" for generations to emphasize being out of cash. ★ OriginBuilt from the regional intensifier "plumb" + "broke" meaning without money. This phrase reflects older English usage of "plumb" for "completely," kept alive in Southern/Appalachian speech. NotesStill widely heard in rural and small-town Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it sounds quaint or humorous but conveys the same meaning. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "plumb broke" - rhymes with "thumb broke," with "plumb" pronounced like "plum." | ...
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