Bawl
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "bawl" means to cry loudly or to holler/yell. It’s an older English verb that survived strongly in rural talk-especially used with kids ("quit your bawlin’!").
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I've heard about somebody 'bawlin’' all my life, didn't even know it was hillbilly. Commonplace. I've heard about somebody 'bawlin’' all my life, didn't even know it was hillbilly. Commonplace. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- To cry or sob loudly (verb)
He skinned his knee.He’s bawlin’ like a calf.- To shout or holler loudly (verb)
How’d you get him in?Just bawled at him from the porch.Origin and Etymology
From older British English "bawl" meaning "cry out." Recorded in regional word lists as common in the South and South Midland, especially in family speech and oral storytelling.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech and recognized across the U.S. Younger speakers may say "cry" instead, but "bawl" remains a strong, colorful verb regionally.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "bawl" rhymes with "haul." Often clipped to "bawlin’." Common phrases: "bawled like a calf," "quit your bawlin’."