Dice
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Spoilt Rotten

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "spoilt rotten" means a person (often a child) has been pampered or indulged so much that they’ve become selfish, lazy, or ungrateful.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern   #FarmTalk

Pronunciation

[SPOILT ROT-un]

Meaning & Usage

- Overindulged person (saying)

At the porch
Mae:
That boy’s spoilt rotten, never worked a day in his life.

Earl:
Ain’t gonna change ‘less somebody makes him.

variations: spoiled rotten, overindulged, pampered, selfish
★ "Spoilt rotten" is always about people, not food. It’s harsher than "spoiled" - like someone’s gone bad from too much pampering. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older British English, where "spoilt" was the past tense of "spoil." The phrase "spoilt rotten" crossed into Southern and Appalachian speech, sticking as a strong judgment.

Usage Notes

Common in Appalachian and Southern families, especially used by parents and grandparents. Almost always applied to kids, though sometimes to adults who act childish.

Say It Like a Southerner

"Spoilt" comes out with the "t" clear or sometimes softened: "spoil’t." "Rotten" often shortens to "rot-un."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "spoilt rotten" the same as "spoiled rotten"?
Yes - "spoilt" is just the older form still alive in Appalachian and Southern speech.
Can it describe food?
Not here - it’s only used for people.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - often in families, usually as a criticism of how kids are raised.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Spoilt Rotten. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/spoilt-rotten
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Spoilt Rotten." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/spoilt-rotten.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Spoilt Rotten." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/spoilt-rotten.
...
Latest Accents
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 not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home