pure-T
Complete, utter, out-and-out.
Also called pure-D, puredee, pure T.
Updated September 24, 2026
pure-T pronunciation
/PYOOR-tee/
Meaning
An intensifier that means total or absolute. Pure-T nonsense is nonsense with no redeeming scraps. Pure-T mean is mean clear through. Same family as pure-D and puredee. Church folks and careful talkers use it when pure damned would get them a look.
How folks use it
- “That story was pure-T foolishness.”
- “He's a pure-T mess when he's late getting fed.”
Origin and etymology
A Southern and South Midland variant of pure-D / puredee, recorded in the OED and DARE. Best guess is a cleaned-up form of pure damned. Some speakers re-hear the T as "truth," but the older and commoner form is the D version. Spellings wander: pure-T, pure T, puretee.
Frequently asked questions
What does the T stand for?
Nobody settled that for sure. Likely a soft swap for the D in pure-D (from pure damned). Some folks say "truth," but that is a later guess.