Company
In Southern and Appalachian homes, "company" means visitors or guests. It’s one of those words that turns an ordinary evening into a social occasion-when company’s coming, you sweep, smile, and serve sweet tea.
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synonyms: guests, visitors, friends, kin
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Everybody born and raised down here refers to guests as 'company.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
Everybody born and raised down here refers to guests as 'company.' Pronunciation
[KUMP-nee] /ˈkʌmp.ni/
Meaning & Usage
- Visitors or guests (noun)
Mama:
Light that candle-company’s comin’.
Light that candle-company’s comin’.
Kid:
Do I have to wear shoes?
Do I have to wear shoes?variations: guests, visitors, folks, kinfolk
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English "compainie," meaning fellowship or companionship. In Southern and Appalachian usage, "company" came to mean guests in one’s home-a reflection of strong traditions of hospitality.
Usage Notes
Still widely used across the South. Always implies more than just presence-it’s respect, care, and presentation.
- "We got company." → "We have guests."
- "Don’t act up, we got company." → "Be polite; people are here."