heathern

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "heathern" is a colorful variant of "heathen." It’s often used to scold rowdy kids or call someone uncivilized or wild.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #OldTimers #Southern #Scoldin’andTeasin’

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, Play audio

but it's less common in town.

Pronunciation

[HEE-thurn]

Meaning & Usage

- Rowdy or uncivilized person (noun)

Elmer:

Buncha heatherns had Taylor Swift cranked up real loud 'is mornin'.

Estel:

That was me.

- Playful insult (noun)

Elmer:

Which one o'y'all heatherns done ate my biscuit 'fore I even sat down?

other spellings: heathen, and heatherns

★ "Heathern" usually isn’t meant literally. It’s a mountain way of fussing at kids, friends, or kinfolk for acting wild or unrefined. ★

Origin

From "heathen," an old English word for a non-believer or uncivilized person. In Appalachian speech, the ending shifted, creating "heathern," which took on a playful, scolding use.

Notes

Common in older Appalachian and Southern generations. Still heard today, especially in church settings or from parents and grandparents fussing at kids.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Said quick, with the final syllable softened: "hee-thurn." The extra "r" sound rolls in naturally in mountain speech.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "heathern" mean the same as "heathen"?

Pretty much - but in Appalachian talk it’s more about rowdy behavior than religion.

Is it still used today?

Yes - mostly by older folks, often in a playful or scolding way.

Is it an insult?

Not usually - it’s more of a fussing word, though tone can make it sharper.