Hillbilly
A rural Appalachian term that can be insult, compliment, or badge of honor - depending on who’s saying it and why. If you ain't from the city, chances are you may be considered a ol' hillbilly.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I refer to myself as a 'hillbilly' fairly often. 'Redneck' is a little different, but it's nuanced. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I refer to myself as a 'hillbilly' fairly often. 'Redneck' is a little different, but it's nuanced. Pronunciation
[HILL-bil-ee]
Meaning & Usage
- A person from a rural, mountainous area
Elmer:
They called me a hillbilly at the gas station.
They called me a hillbilly at the gas station.
Estel:
Shoot, that’s a compliment where we’re from.
Shoot, that’s a compliment where we’re from.- Someone proud of their rural roots
Elmer:
You still livin’ in the city?
You still livin’ in the city?
Estel:
Nope, came back home. I’m a hillbilly and I like it.
Nope, came back home. I’m a hillbilly and I like it.- Old-time country music fan
Elmer:
This here’s the best hillbilly band I ever heard.
This here’s the best hillbilly band I ever heard.
Estel:
You ain’t wrong.
You ain’t wrong.variations: hillbillies
★ If you call yourself a hillbilly, you’re likely wearing it as a badge of honor - not an insult. ★
Origin and Etymology
Possibly from Scottish and Irish settlers in the hills ("billy" meaning man), or from political movements tied to rural mountain life. First recorded in the early 20th century.
Usage Notes
Some outsiders use "hillbilly" as a stereotype, but many in Appalachia reclaim it proudly as part of their identity.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 29). Hillbilly. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hillbilly
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hillbilly." HillbillySlang.com, 29 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hillbilly.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Hillbilly." HillbillySlang.com. September 29, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/hillbilly.
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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...Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
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