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Hick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hick

[hษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who lives in a rural area and is regarded as being unintelligent or uncultured.

Synonyms

bumpkin, country bumpkin, rustic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hick

Often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone from a rural area who is perceived as unsophisticated or uncultured.

  • He called him a hick just because he wore overalls to the city.
  • Don't be such a hick, we're in the 21st century.
rustic

Used to describe someone or something with a simple, rural charm. It can be a compliment when describing dรฉcor, lifestyle, or people.

  • The cottage has a rustic charm that's hard to resist.
  • He has a rustic way of life, close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle.
bumpkin

Typically a more neutral or slightly humorous term to describe someone from a rural area, suggesting simplicity and lack of refinement.

  • He's a charming bumpkin with a heart of gold.
  • The city folks found his bumpkin ways endearing.
country bumpkin

A slightly more detailed form of 'bumpkin', emphasizing the rural origin of the person. It can be used humorously or patronizingly.

  • She married a country bumpkin and moved to the farm.
  • Just because he's a country bumpkin doesn't mean he lacks intelligence.

Examples of usage

  • He's just a hick from the countryside.
  • Don't be such a hick, try to blend in with the city folks.
Context #2 | Noun

tool

A tool consisting of a metal blade with a handle, used for cutting material such as wood or metal.

Synonyms

axe, chopper, hatchet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hick

Used to describe a person who is perceived as unsophisticated or from a rural area. This term has a negative connotation and can be seen as derogatory.

  • Everyone thought he was just a hick who wouldn't understand city life.
  • Don't call her a hick just because she grew up on a farm.
axe

A general term for a tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle, used for chopping wood. It is a versatile word commonly used in everyday language whenever referring to this tool.

  • He took the axe and started chopping wood for the fireplace.
  • The lumberjack swung his axe with precision.
chopper

Informal word for an axe, often used in casual settings or to emphasize the act of chopping. It's also used to refer to a helicopter in certain contexts, but unrelated to the context here.

  • Grab the chopper, we need to cut down that old tree.
  • He sharpened the chopper before heading out to the woods.
hatchet

Refers to a small axe with a short handle, used for chopping or as a hand tool. It is often used in more specific or precise contexts than 'axe'. It can also be used metaphorically to mean settling a dispute.

  • He used a hatchet to split the kindling for the fire.
  • It's time to bury the hatchet and move on from our past disagreements.

Examples of usage

  • He used a hick to chop firewood.
  • Make sure to use the right hick for this job.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • While sometimes used derogatorily, many people embrace the term as a badge of pride, celebrating rural culture.
  • In some regions, 'hick' can imply a connection to traditional lifestyles and values, such as family and farming.
  • The term is used in various forms of art and literature to highlight contrasts between urban and rural experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Popular media often uses 'hick' characters to portray simple-minded, humorous, or endearing traits.
  • Country music sometimes embraces the label in songs that celebrate rural life and authenticity.
  • Television shows have depicted 'hicks' in ways that challenge or reinforce stereotypes, influencing public perception.

Sociolinguistics

  • The use of 'hick' can vary by region, with different accents and dialects reflecting local identities.
  • Language changes over time, and what was once considered an insult may be redefined within certain communities.
  • Sociolinguists study how terms like 'hick' impact social dynamics among different cultural groups.

Literature

  • Writers have used characters described as 'hicks' to explore themes of authenticity versus sophistication, especially in rural settings.
  • Classic American literature often contrasts 'hick' characters with more cosmopolitan characters to highlight societal differences.
  • The portrayal of 'hicks' in humor and satire offers insight into societal stereotypes and biases.

Origin of 'hick'

Main points about word origin

  • The term likely comes from 'hickster,' a play on the sound of 'hick,' representing country folk.
  • It was first used in the United States in the late 19th century, gaining popularity as a slang term.
  • The word is often associated with stereotypes about rural people but has evolved in its usage over time.

The word 'hick' originated in the late 18th century, as a colloquial shortening of the word 'hickory', which refers to a type of wood used in making tools. Over time, 'hick' evolved to also describe a person from a rural area. It is often used in a derogatory manner to imply someone is unsophisticated or simple.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,839 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.