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Hillbilly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hillbilly

[ˈhɪlˌbɪli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

rural culture

A hillbilly is a person who lives in a remote, rural area, especially in the southern United States. They are often characterized as unsophisticated or backwards, with a strong emphasis on traditional values and lifestyle.

Synonyms

backwoodsman, country bumpkin, redneck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hillbilly

Refers to someone from a remote, rural area, usually in the Appalachian Mountains. This term can sometimes be seen as offensive or stereotyping.

  • The old hillbilly knew every path in the mountains.
  • She sang songs that her hillbilly grandparents taught her.
redneck

A term that originally referred to working-class whites in the Southern United States, it now sometimes carries a negative connotation and can imply racial or social intolerance.

  • He proudly identified as a redneck, valuing his rural roots and hard-working background.
  • Some people criticized the party for its redneck attitudes.
country bumpkin

Describes someone from the countryside who might be seen as unsophisticated or naive. This term has a slightly negative connotation.

  • They looked at him like he was a country bumpkin for not knowing how to use the metro.
  • City folks often regard him as a country bumpkin because of his simple lifestyle.
backwoodsman

Typically denotes someone from a sparsely populated forested area. It suggests self-reliance and a deep familiarity with nature.

  • The backwoodsman could navigate through the dense forest without a map.
  • He learned the ways of the backwoodsman from his father.

Examples of usage

  • The hillbilly family lived deep in the Appalachian mountains.
  • Don't be fooled by his hillbilly appearance, he's actually quite intelligent.
Context #2 | Noun

offensive term

In some contexts, 'hillbilly' can be used as a derogatory term to insult or belittle someone from a rural background. It is important to be aware of the negative connotations associated with this term.

Synonyms

hick, redneck, white trash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hillbilly

Used to describe someone from a rural or remote area, often the Appalachian Mountains, without implying extreme derogation.

  • He's just a hillbilly trying to make his way in the big city.
  • The movie depicts a family of hillbillies living in the mountains.
redneck

Often used to describe white, rural working-class individuals, sometimes connoting toughness or ruggedness but often seen as derogatory. It can be reclaimed by those it describes as a point of pride.

  • He's proud to be a redneck, and he won't change for anyone.
  • The festival had a lot of redneck culture on display.
hick

Used to describe someone from a small town or rural area, implying a lack of sophistication or education. It can be pejorative or playfully teasing depending on the context.

  • Don't be such a hick; there's more to the world than just our small town.
  • She's a city girl, but she married a hick from the countryside.
white trash

A highly derogatory term used to describe poor white people, implying not only poverty but also a lack of class and moral integrity. Generally considered very offensive and should be avoided.

  • The term 'white trash' is rude and offensive. It shouldn't be used.
  • She was unfairly labeled as 'white trash' by her peers.

Examples of usage

  • She was offended by being called a hillbilly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Representation

  • Hillbilly culture is reflected in music genres like bluegrass and country, illustrating their rich artistic heritage.
  • TV shows and movies often portray hillbilly characters, sometimes reinforcing stereotypes while also celebrating their unique customs.
  • The word has been reclaimed by some communities as a badge of pride, emphasizing resilience and authenticity.

Social Issues

  • The term can evoke aspects of socio-economic challenges faced by rural populations, often tied to poverty and access to resources.
  • In recent discussions, there's been a push to avoid stereotypes linked to the term, highlighting diverse and complex lives of people in these areas.
  • Many advocate for greater representation and understanding of rural voices in media and politics.

Geographical Influence

  • The Appalachians, the Ozarks, and the Southern U.S. are regions commonly linked with the hillbilly identity, each with its own traditions and histories.
  • These areas have unique dialects, food, and folklore that contribute to the broader understanding of hillbilly culture.
  • Economic shifts in these regions have led to a transformation in community dynamics, impacting the perception of their residents.

Psychology

  • Studies on stereotypes reveal that the perception of hillbillies can impact self-esteem and community identity.
  • The 'hillbilly' label can lead to stigma, affecting how individuals are viewed and treated in society.
  • Encounters with hillbilly culture often challenge urban biases, prompting discussions about class and regional differences.

Origin of 'hillbilly'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hillbilly' originated in the early 1900s, combining 'hill' (mountain) and 'billy' (a term for man).
  • Initially, 'hillbilly' referred specifically to people living in the Appalachian region, known for their distinctive culture.
  • It sometimes carried a humorous or affectionate connotation before becoming associated with stereotypes.

The term 'hillbilly' originated in the United States in the early 1900s, originally used to describe people who lived in the Appalachian Mountains. It has since evolved to have both neutral and derogatory connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.

See also: hill, hillock, hillwalking.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,191 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.