Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

knowed

knothead

A "knothead" is a mild insult meaning a foolish, stubborn, or hardheaded person. In Appalachian and Southern speech, it’s a playful way to scold someone without being too harsh.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern   #Scoldin’andTeasin’

Pronunciation

[NOT-hed]

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Meaning & Usage

- A foolish or silly person (noun)

At the barn
Mae:
Who left the feed out?

Earl:
That knothead brother of mine.

- A stubborn or hardheaded person (noun, figurative)

Talking about chores
Mae:
Told him twice to quit.

Earl:
He’s a knothead if I ever saw one.

★ "Knothead" is usually said in fun. It scolds without being cruel, much like "knucklehead." Parents and grandparents often use it on kids when they’re acting silly. ★

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