Hidy

In Southern and Appalachian speech, hidy is a friendly greeting meaning hello, similar to "hey" or "hi," often said quickly and cheerfully.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: hey, hi, howdy

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've never used 'hidy,' but I have heard it all my life. It's common around here.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've never used 'hidy,' but I have heard it all my life. It's common around here.

Pronunciation

[HIGH-dee]
/ˈhaɪ.di/

Meaning & Usage

- Hello; casual greeting (interjection)

Earl:

Hidy! Y’all doin’ alright?

Jess:

Hidy there - just gettin’ back from town.

variations: hidey, hidee, hidy there

★ If somebody says "hidy," they’re bein’ friendly - it’s a quick, easy greetin’ you can holler from the porch or yard. ★

Origin and Etymology

Derived from a shortened pronunciation of "how do you do," similar to "howdy," but simplified further. Widely used in rural Southern and Appalachian communities since at least the early 1900s. It reflects the region’s tendency toward efficient, easygoing speech.

Usage Notes

"Hidy" is often a brief acknowledgment when passing someone or hollerin’ hello from across the way. It can stand alone or be followed by "there," but it remains distinct from "howdy," which typically suggests a fuller greeting or conversation.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "hidy" the same as "howdy"?

No. They’re related in origin, but "hidy" is shorter, quicker, and more casual.

Where is "hidy" used most?

In the South and Appalachia, especially in rural areas and among older generations.

How do you spell it?

Several ways exist - "hidy," "hidey," and "hidee" - but all mean the same friendly hello.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 25). Hidy. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hidy
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hidy." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hidy.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Hidy." HillbillySlang.com. October 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hidy.

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