Racket
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "racket" means a loud, unpleasant, or annoying noise. It’s a go-to word for fussing at kids or pointing out commotion in the house or yard.
synonyms: noise, commotion, din, fuss
Hillbilly Dude Says...
"Y’all quit that racket on the porch before I come out there!" Hillbilly Dude Says...
"Y’all quit that racket on the porch before I come out there!" Pronunciation
[RACK-it] /ˈræk.ɪt/
Meaning & Usage
- Loud, annoying noise (noun)
Clara:
What’s all that racket in the kitchen?
What’s all that racket in the kitchen?
Elmer:
Just the kids, carryin’ on again.
Just the kids, carryin’ on again.variations: none
Origin and Etymology
The word "racket" for "noise" dates back to at least the 17th century in British English. While widespread in English, it has remained especially strong in Southern and Appalachian speech, where parents and grandparents still use it daily to describe any loud or bothersome commotion.
Usage Notes
- Still common in Southern/Appalachian households as a scolding word: "Quit that racket."
- Elsewhere in the U.S., it’s understood but may sound old-fashioned or less frequently used.
- Sometimes extended to mean a general fuss or commotion, not just sound.