Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'll use this one in everday speech. ""Whatnaworld is this feller doin'?"" 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'll use this one in everday speech. ""Whatnaworld is this feller doin'?"" 

Pronunciation

[FELL-ur]

Meaning & Usage

- Man / guy (noun)

Mae:
Who fixed your roof?
Earl:
Some feller from town.

- Familiar / friendly reference (noun)

Ruby:
That feller sure can pick a banjo.
Estel:
He’s a good ol’ feller, that’s for sure.
variations: fellow, guy, man, fella, ol’ boy
★ "Feller" usually isn’t insulting - it’s folksy. It can be neutral ("some feller") or warm ("good ol’ feller"), depending on tone. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Feller" comes directly from "fellow," a word dating back to Old English. In Appalachian and Southern speech, the final syllable shifted to "-er," creating the common local form.

Usage Notes

"Feller" shows up all through Appalachian storytelling, songs, and everyday speech. It’s one of those words outsiders instantly recognize as "hillbilly talk," but to locals it’s just normal.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "feller." The "ow" in "fellow" softens down to "er," a common Appalachian shift in pronunciation.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "feller" the same as "fellow"?
Yes - it’s just the Appalachian/Southern pronunciation.
Do people still say "feller"?
Absolutely. You’ll hear it in everyday talk, especially among older generations.
Is it ever insulting?
Usually no - it’s neutral or even friendly.
Is "feller" used outside Appalachia?
Yes - parts of the South and rural America use it too, though it’s strongest in the mountains.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 24). Feller. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feller
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Feller." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feller.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Feller." HillbillySlang.com. August 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feller.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site 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...
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