Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only heard 'em called 'mushmelons' by my Dad all my life. But outside of the house... truth be told - canteloupes ain't a topic that comes up as often as you might think. So I'm not sure how widespread this is. But we eat 'em salted. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only heard 'em called 'mushmelons' by my Dad all my life. But outside of the house... truth be told - canteloupes ain't a topic that comes up as often as you might think. So I'm not sure how widespread this is. But we eat 'em salted. 

Pronunciation

[MUSH-meh-lun]

Meaning & Usage

- Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (noun)

Estel:
Want a big hunk o'this mushmelon?
Elmer:
Not without some salt.
Earl:
You'uns talkin' 'bout how the cannielopes came up real fine this year.
Estel:
Reckon they’re sweeter than store-bought mushmelons.
variations: mush melon, muskmelon
★ If someone offers you "mushmelon," they’re talking about cantaloupe - not a new kind of melon. Expect it cold, sweet, and prolly salted. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Mushmelon" is a dialect form of "muskmelon," the broader name for fragrant melons that includes cantaloupe. Over time, Appalachian and Southern speech dropped the middle consonant and blended it into "mushmelon."

Usage Notes

"Mushmelon" usually means cantaloupe in Appalachia, though technically it can mean any muskmelon. It’s a summertime staple at farm stands, church suppers, and family tables.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say "mush" like the soft cornmeal dish, then "melon" with a lazy middle - "meh-lun." In mountain talk, it runs together quick: "mush-m’lon."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

What's the difference between a canteloupe and a mushmelon?
Not a thing. "Mushmelon" in Southern and Appalachian usage refers to the common cantaloupe.
Why is it called "mushmelon"?
It’s a shortened form of "muskmelon," said in the easy, blended style of mountain speech.
Do people still say "mushmelon"?
Absolutely, especially in rural areas where gardening and old names stick.
Is it a different kind of melon?
Nope - just a different name for the same fruit, usually cantaloupe.

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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...
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