In Appalachian and Southern speech, "clompin’" means walking heavy-footed and noisy, like stomping around in boots. It’s often used in scolding children for making too much racket indoors.
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?'
Pronunciation
[CLAWP-uhn]
/ˈklɔːp.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Walking heavy-footed and loud (verb, regional use)
At the house
Mae:
What’s that noise upstairs?
Earl:
Kids just clompin’ around again.
- To stomp or tromp roughly (verb, overlapping use)
Out in the barn
Mae:
He’s mad.
Earl:
Yeah, went clompin’ out the door.
variations: clumpin’
★ "Clompin’" paints a sound picture - you can almost hear boots on old wooden floors. It’s one of those words that makes the action noisy just by sayin’ it. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "clomp," an imitative word for a heavy, dull sound. Appeared in English in the 1800s and survived strong in Appalachian and Southern dialects alongside "stomp" and "tromp."
Usage Notes
Still common in Southern/Appalachian family talk, especially in scolding. Recognized nationally, but the dropped "g" form gives it regional flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "klomp-in." The final "g" is dropped: "clompin’."
Close - stompin’ is often deliberate (like in anger or dancing), while clompin’ is more careless, just noisy walking.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - especially parents telling kids to quit clompin’ around the house.
Is it only Appalachian?
No - but it’s most natural in rural Southern/Appalachian speech.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Clomping. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/clomping
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Clomping." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/clomping.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Clomping." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/clomping.
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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...
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?' 
