wallered out
Worn out, loosened up, or wore slap out from hard use or wallowing.
Also called wallowed out, wallered.
Updated September 24, 2026
wallered out pronunciation
/WAHL-erd owt/
Meaning
From waller, the Southern way to say wallow. A bolt hole gets wallered out when it wears egg-shaped. A chair gets wallered out from years of sitting. A person can feel wallered out after kids climb all over them or after a long day in the field. Means messed up, worn down, or used up — like a hog waller chewed the ground soft.
How folks use it
- “That bolt hole's wallered out and the wrench just spins.”
- “I'm wallered out after them kids climbed on me all afternoon.”
Origin and etymology
Built on waller, Southern and South Midland for wallow (roll or wear something soft). Mechanics and farmers across the South use wallered out for holes and parts worn oversized. Same image as a hog wallowing a muddy pit bigger and bigger. DARE ties waller forms to Southern speech.
Frequently asked questions
Is wallered out only for people?
No. Shop talk uses it for worn holes and loose parts as much as folks use it for being wore out.