In Appalachian and Southern speech, "no count" means worthless, useless, or no good. It’s a clipped form of "no account," a term that once meant someone of little worth or low standing.
Absolutely you'll hear 'no count' around here as a description. You might also hear 'ain't no count.'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Absolutely you'll hear 'no count' around here as a description. You might also hear 'ain't no count.'
Pronunciation
[NOH-count]
Meaning & Usage
- No good, worthless (adjective)
Front porch talk
Earl:
Ain’t botherin’ with Jim no more. He’s no count as a work hand.
Mae:
Told ya. That boy never did pull his weight.
variations: no account
★ Calling somebody "no count" goes beyond lazy - it cuts at their character. It’s not polite talk, but you’ll still hear it when someone’s let folks down one too many times. ★
Origin and Etymology
"No account" shows up in 18th-19th century American English, meaning of little value. In Southern and Appalachian speech, it slurred down to "no count," and carried a sharper edge of judgment.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachia and the South, often used by older generations. You’ll hear it for people ("he’s no count") or sometimes things ("that mower’s no count").
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "no count." The "ac" from "account" drops out, leaving a shorter, sharper insult.
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...
Absolutely you'll hear 'no count' around here as a description. You might also hear 'ain't no count.' 
