Mosey

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "mosey" means to walk or move in a slow, easy, or meandering way - often with no particular rush.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #TravelandLocation #Southern

synonyms: amble, meander, saunter, drift along

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We use 'mosey' out in the country down here, it's common.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We use 'mosey' out in the country down here, it's common.

Pronunciation

[MOH-zee]
/ˈmoʊ.zi/

Meaning & Usage

- To move slowly or casually (verb)

Lula:

We’d better mosey on over to church.

Hank:

Don’t hurry me - I’m moseyin’.

variations: mozy

★ If someone tells you to "mosey on out of here," it’s a polite way of saying "time to go," but without fuss. ★

Origin and Etymology

The word mosey appears in American English by the early 1800s, likely from playful slang. While also common in the Old West, it became a familiar part of Southern and Appalachian storytelling, carrying a sense of slow movement and lack of hurry.

Usage Notes

Common in both Southern/Appalachian and Western rural dialects.
Often used with "on" → "mosey on down" or "mosey on over."
Still widely understood today, though it has an old-timey flavor.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "mosey" mean the same as walk?

Not exactly. It means to walk slowly, casually, or without hurry.

Is "mosey" only Southern?

It’s strong in Southern and Appalachian speech, but also shows up in cowboy and Western talk.

When did people start saying "mosey"?

It shows up in American English in the early 19th century.

Is "mosey" still used today?

Yes. It’s still common in storytelling and casual speech, often with a nostalgic or country feel.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 30). Mosey. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mosey
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Mosey." HillbillySlang.com, 30 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mosey.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Mosey." HillbillySlang.com. September 30, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/mosey.

Most Popular

Latest Accents

Latest Sayings

Latest Slang

Latest Southernish

About

Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...