Yokel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to someone from a rural area who seems unsophisticated or naive. It often has a humorous or mildly derogatory tone.

• The city folks laughed at the yokel's confusion over the subway system.

Often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner to describe someone from the countryside who is perceived as simple or unschooled in modern ways.

• She felt like a bumpkin at the fancy gala, unsure of which fork to use.

This word typically carries a negative connotation, implying that someone from a rural area is unsophisticated, ignorant, or uncultured.

• He was called a hick because he didn't know much about city life.

Used mainly in the United States to describe a rural, working-class person, sometimes with negative connotations related to perceived bigotry or backwardness.

• She was offended when they called her a redneck for liking country music.

Used to describe someone from a rural area who is perceived as unsophisticated or naive. Often has a negative connotation and can be considered insulting.

• The city folks laughed at the yokel's unfamiliarity with modern technology.
• He's just a yokel who doesn't understand the ways of the big city.

Refers to someone who acts unwisely or lacks good judgment. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's actions or decisions.

• Don't be a fool and invest all your money in a single stock.
• She felt like a fool after believing his lies for so long.

Describes someone who is perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. This term is usually used in a derogatory manner.

• Only a simpleton would believe such an outrageous story.
• They treated him like a simpleton because he didn't understand the instructions.

Describes someone who is inexperienced and lacks worldly wisdom. This term is often used less harshly and can sometimes evoke sympathy rather than outright judgment.

• As a naive person, he struggled to navigate the complexities of office politics.
• She was such a naive person, trusting strangers too easily.