Billfold

In Southern and Appalachian speech, a "billfold" is a wallet-a small folding case for carrying paper money and cards. The word’s still common among older speakers, especially men.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: wallet, pocketbook (regional), money holder

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Just like my Dad, I've called it a 'billfold' all my life. This one's common.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Just like my Dad, I've called it a 'billfold' all my life. This one's common.

Pronunciation

[BIL-fohld]
/ˈbɪlˌfoʊld/

Meaning & Usage

- A small folding wallet for paper bills (noun)

Mama:

You got any cash on you?

Daddy:

Check my billfold on the dresser.

variations: wallet

Origin and Etymology

Coined in the United States in the late 1800s from "bill" (paper money) and "fold." The term caught on strongly in the South and Midwest, where it remained the everyday word for "wallet" through much of the 20th century.

Usage Notes

Still widely recognized, though younger generations tend to say "wallet." "Billfold" carries an old-fashioned, plainspoken tone and often appears in stories, country songs, and local speech.

Common among older Southern and Midwestern men
Often kept in the back pocket-"Grab my billfold, will ya?"
Distinct from a woman’s pocketbook or purse

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What’s a billfold?

It’s a folding wallet used to carry paper bills-especially common in the South and Appalachia.

Is "billfold" the same as "wallet"?

Yes, though "billfold" usually refers to a slim men’s wallet that folds once or twice.

Is "billfold" still used today?

Yes, mainly in the South, Appalachia, and rural Midwest, though it’s considered old-fashioned elsewhere.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Billfold. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/billfold
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Billfold." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/billfold.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Billfold." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/billfold.

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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...