   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 #People&Relationships #Southern 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.other spellings: 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." ★ OriginA 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. 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 We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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