ruination
Ruin or the thing that will wreck you, said with drama.
Updated September 24, 2026
ruination pronunciation
/roo-uh-NAY-shun/
Meaning
Ruination means destruction or downfall, and in redneck talk it often names the culprit. That pie will be the ruination of me. Another week of rain will be the ruination of the corn. It can be serious farm trouble or half-joking blame for something you cannot quit.
How folks use it
- “Another flood like that will be the ruination of this bottom land.”
- “Them lottery tickets are gonna be the ruination of him.”
Origin and etymology
English formed ruination from ruin plus -ation centuries ago. The word thinned out in formal writing but stayed loud in Southern and Midland speech, especially the phrase the ruination of somebody or something.
Frequently asked questions
Is ruination always serious?
Not always. People use it for real crop damage and for joking about dessert.