Next post.
Previous post.

Plumb Crazy

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Plumb Crazy" means completely crazy, wild, or irrational - a colorful intensifier phrase built from the regional word "plumb."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern   #ScoldingandTeasing

Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Plumb crazy' is one I've heard all my life. And people still use it in everday speech. 

Pronunciation

[PLUM CRA-zy] /plʌm ˈkreɪzi/

Meaning & Usage

- Completely crazy or irrational (intensified adjective)

Mae:
He tried to ride that bull with no saddle.
Earl:
That’s plumb crazy.
variations: Flat-Out Crazy, Stone Crazy, Crazy as a Loon, Plumb Out of His Mind
★ The power of "plumb" as an intensifier turns "crazy" into a vivid description. Rural Southerners and Appalachians have used "plumb crazy" for generations to describe someone acting wild or foolish. ★

Origin

Built from the regional intensifier "plumb" + "crazy." This phrase reflects older English usage of "plumb" for "completely," kept alive in Southern/Appalachian speech.

Notes

Still 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 Southerner

Say it natural: "plumb crazy" - rhymes with "thumb crazy," with "plumb" pronounced like "plum."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "plumb crazy" only apply to people?
No - it can describe actions, ideas, or situations too ("That plan’s plumb crazy").
Is "plumb" the same as "plum"?
No - "plumb" here means "completely," not the fruit.
Is it still used today?
Yes - especially among older speakers and in folksy writing.
...
About
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home