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Clompin’

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.

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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’."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "clompin’" different from "stompin’"?
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
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    "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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