"Plum tired" is an informal expression that means being completely, wholly, or absolutely exhausted. It is most commonly a phonetic spelling or mishearing of the idiom "plumb tired."
Understanding "Plum Tired" (or "Plumb Tired")
While "plum tired" might be heard or occasionally seen in casual writing, the correct and widely recognized idiom is "plumb tired." In this context, the word "plumb" functions as an intensifier, indicating the utmost degree of fatigue. It signifies that one is not just a little tired, but rather entirely and absolutely worn out.
The Meaning of "Plumb" as an Intensifier
When used as an adverb before an adjective (like "tired") or another adverb, "plumb" emphasizes the totality or completeness of the state. Its origin traces back to the "plumb bob," a lead weight used to determine a truly vertical line, implying exactness and completeness.
- Entirely/Wholly: Suggests that there is no part of the person that isn't tired; they are tired through and through.
- Absolutely/Completely: Leaves no room for doubt about the extreme level of exhaustion.
- Informal Usage: This intensifier is typically found in casual conversation and informal writing, adding a folksy or emphatic tone. You can learn more about the use of "plumb" as an intensifier from reputable sources like Merriam-Webster.
Examples in Context
Here are some ways "plumb tired" is used:
- "After hiking all day up the mountain, I was plumb tired and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow."
- "The children played in the snow for hours; they came inside plumb tired out and ready for bed."
- "She was plumb tired of waiting for the bus, so she decided to walk instead." (Here, it expresses being completely fed up).
Why "Plum" vs. "Plumb"?
The confusion between "plum" and "plumb" largely stems from their phonetic similarity in many English accents. Both words are pronounced almost identically, leading to "plum" sometimes being mistakenly used or written instead of the correct adverb "plumb."
Other Uses of "Plumb" as an Intensifier
"Plumb" can intensify other adjectives and adverbs too, always carrying the meaning of "completely" or "absolutely":
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plumb crazy | Absolutely insane or mad |
| Plumb wrong | Entirely incorrect; completely mistaken |
| Plumb tuckered out | Wholly exhausted (a variation of "plumb tired") |
| Plumb fair | Absolutely just or equitable |
Synonyms for "Plumb Tired"
When someone is "plumb tired," they are:
- Absolutely exhausted
- Utterly fatigued
- Completely worn out
- Dog-tired
- Dead tired
- Shattered
