Poor as Job’s Turkey
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "poor as Job’s turkey" means extremely poor. It’s an old-timer’s saying that blends Bible talk with farm humor, poking fun at the idea that even Job’s turkey didn’t have much to its name.
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Saying 'poor as Job’s turkey' wasn't common where I was growin' up, but I hear it two counties over. So I'm thinking it's regional. Saying 'poor as Job’s turkey' wasn't common where I was growin' up, but I hear it two counties over. So I'm thinking it's regional. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Extremely poor (adjective phrase, figurative)
How bad off were y’all?Bad - poor as Job’s turkey.Origin and Etymology
The Bible’s Job was known for his suffering and loss. Adding "turkey" to the phrase gave it a comic twist in Southern and Appalachian speech, making Job’s bird as pitiful as the man himself. It likely emerged in the 1800s and was popular among old-timers.
Usage Notes
Most common among older generations in the South and Appalachia. Rare outside the region, and often unknown to outsiders. Sometimes heard in sermons or stories where country speech is thick.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "poor as Job’s tur-key." "Job" rhymes with "robe."
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