In Southern and Appalachian English, "bunch" (usually stressed) refers to a group of people - often said with tone, humor, or judgment. It’s more than just "a group"; it’s a word colored by attitude and familiarity.
To hear a group of people referred to as a 'bunch' negatively around here is common.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
To hear a group of people referred to as a 'bunch' negatively around here is common.
Pronunciation
[BUNCH]
/bʌntʃ/
Meaning & Usage
- Group of people (noun)
Talking about a group with tone
Clyde:
That bunch from over the ridge showed up again.
Lou:
Yeah - same bunch that left muddy bootprints last time.
variations: group, crowd, lot
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English bunche ("a swelling or cluster"). In Southern and Appalachian English, the meaning narrowed over time to refer mainly to people - often those viewed as a distinct social group. The pronunciation and stress ("that BUNCH") add emotional color, signaling either affection or criticism.
Usage Notes
While "bunch" is understood across the U.S., Southerners and Appalachians use it more sharply and almost exclusively for people.
Stressed for emphasis: "That BUNCH don’t know what they’re doin’."
Often implies tone - teasing, critical, or proud, depending on context.
Neutral or literal uses ("a bunch of grapes") are universal, but this people-centered, judgmental sense is especially Southern/Appalachian.
It means a group of people - usually said with some tone, whether friendly, teasing, or disapproving.
Is "BUNCH" used this way outside the South?
It’s understood elsewhere, but Southerners use it more often and more colorfully, especially for people.
Why is it stressed?
Stress adds personality - "that BUNCH" is a way to size up a whole group with one word.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 13). Bunch. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bunch
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Bunch." HillbillySlang.com, 13 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bunch.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Bunch." HillbillySlang.com. October 13, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bunch.
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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...
To hear a group of people referred to as a 'bunch' negatively around here is common. 
