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.
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, but it's less common in town.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, but it's less common in town.
Pronunciation
[HEE-thurn]
Meaning & Usage
- Rowdy or uncivilized person (noun)
At Sunday school
Elmer:
Buncha heatherns had Taylor Swift cranked up real loud 'is mornin'.
Estel:
That was me.
- Playful insult (noun)
Family supper
Elmer:
Which one o'y'allheatherns done ate my biscuit 'fore I even sat down?
variations: heathen, 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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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
Said quick, with the final syllable softened: "hee-thurn." The extra "r" sound rolls in naturally in mountain speech.
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...
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, 
