Dice
 
 
 
 
 
synonyms: skunk
Hillbilly Dude Says...
My Dad ONLY calls skunks 'polecats'. Never heard him use a different term. We use both in our family. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
My Dad ONLY calls skunks 'polecats'. Never heard him use a different term. We use both in our family. 

Pronunciation

[POHL-kat]

Meaning & Usage

- Skunk

Elmer:
Best not mess with that pole cat under the porch.
Estel:
I know better - I like breathin’ fresh air.

- Unpleasant Person

Elmer:
That feller shorted me two dollars.
Estel:
Dern pole cat. Don’t trust him far as you can throw him.
variations: pole cat, pole-cat
★ If you hear your dog tanglin’ with a pole cat, get the tomato juice ready. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Polecat" has been used in the U.S. since the 17th century to mean skunk, likely borrowed from European settlers who used "polecat" for a weasel-like animal back home. In Appalachia, the term stuck.

Usage Notes

While most Americans say "skunk," many rural Appalachian and Southern folks still call them pole cats. The insult sense ("ornery person") grew naturally from the animal’s reputation.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is a pole cat really a cat?
Nope. It’s another name for a skunk in the U.S. (and a kind of weasel in Europe).
Do people still say pole cat today?
Yes, especially in rural areas and among older generations.
Why call it a pole cat?
Likely because settlers were already using the name for weasel-like critters and applied it to the skunks they met here.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 24). Polecat. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Polecat." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Polecat." HillbillySlang.com. September 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
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
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home