   Tore UpIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "tore up" means broken or damaged when used literally, and deeply upset or distraught when used figuratively. It’s plain, heartfelt country talk. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #DialectandGrammar #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  Out in the country people use 'tore up' on a daily basis. Hillbilly Dude Says... Out in the country people use 'tore up' on a daily basis. Pronunciation[TORE up] Meaning & Usage- Broken or damaged (adjective phrase)
Mae:
What happened to the roof?
Earl:
It’s all tore up from the wind.- Emotionally upset or distraught (adjective phrase, figurative)
Mae:
How’s your sister doin’?
Earl:
She’s still tore up about what happened.variations: torn up ★ "Tore up" is one of those plain expressions that says a lot without being fancy. In the South, it carries more heart than just saying "upset" or "broken." ★ Origin and EtymologyA Southern and Appalachian variant of "torn up." Dropping "n" for "e" in the past tense is common in country speech, and the phrase stuck around in both literal and figurative senses. Usage NotesStill widely heard across the South and Appalachia. Most often used in family talk and storytelling when someone is badly shaken or something’s badly broken. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "tore up." In the South, "torn up" becomes "tore up" in everyday speech. | ...
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