Poor as Dirt
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "poor as dirt" means extremely poor. It’s a plain, down-home saying that compares being broke to having nothing more than the dirt under your feet.
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Usually said as, 'we's poor as dirt growin’ up' - but I think this one may be one that people say all over here and there. Usually said as, 'we's poor as dirt growin’ up' - but I think this one may be one that people say all over here and there. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Extremely poor (adjective phrase, figurative)
How bad off were y’all?Bad - poor as dirt.Origin and Etymology
The phrase has roots in plain folk talk: dirt has no value, so being "poor as dirt" meant utterly broke. It became especially common in Southern and Appalachian speech during times of hardship like the Depression.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. Known elsewhere, but in the South it feels most at home, carrying the weight of lived experience.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "poor as dirt." Quick and flat, often stretched: "poooor as dirt."
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