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Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've not heard 'airish' myself, so I'll have to assume it's regional. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've not heard 'airish' myself, so I'll have to assume it's regional. 

Pronunciation

[AIR-ish]

Meaning & Usage

- Cool or breezy (adjective)

Elmer:
Might want to grab a jacket - it’s a little airish out this mornin’.
Estel:
Reckon you’re right, the wind’s got a bite to it.
variations: cool, chilly, breezy, brisk
★ "Airish" isn’t just cold - it’s the kind of cool that sneaks up on you, especially with a breeze. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely a regional variation of "airy," with the -ish ending making it descriptive. It appears in Southern and Appalachian dialect records going back to the 1800s.

Usage Notes

Common in Appalachia and parts of the South, especially in rural communities. Usually used in casual conversation.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "airish" mean the same as "cold"?
Not quite - it’s more "cool and breezy" than truly cold.
Is it only about the weather?
Mostly, though you might hear it to describe a drafty place indoors.
Where is it most common?
Appalachia, rural Southern areas, and among older generations.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 27). Airish. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/airish
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Airish." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/airish.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Airish." HillbillySlang.com. August 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/airish.
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