  Sorry ExcuseIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "sorry excuse" is a common saying used to call something worthless, pitiful, or no good. Usually said as "a sorry excuse for"" to drive home disappointment. Hillbilly Dude Says...  If your expectations weren't met, you might say 'that's a sorry excuse for...' whatever that thing was. But not to the person that brought it, that'd be rude. Later. To somebody else. Pronunciation[SAHR-ee ik-SKEWS] → often runs together quick: "sarry ’scuse." Meaning & Usage- Pitiful, worthless example (saying)
Mae:
Earl:
Ain’t my fault the beans burned.- Failure of character (saying)
Mae:
Earl:
Lazy as the day is long.other spellings: sorry excuse for, pitiful excuse, poor excuse, sorry no good, and ``ain’t worth a lick`` ★ "Sorry excuse" isn’t polite - it’s a cutting phrase folks use when they’re sorely let down by something or someone. ★ OriginRooted in the Southern/Appalachian use of "sorry" to mean pitiful or worthless. Adding "excuse" sharpened it into a phrase, especially common in the 19th and 20th centuries to describe bad food, tools, or people. NotesStill widely used in Appalachia and across the South. Often heard with "for a"" tagged on the end, making it a flexible insult or complaint. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it sharp: "sarry ’scuse." The "for" is often dropped or softened: "sorry excuse of a"" → "sarry ’scuse of a"" | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. 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 Since 2025