Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

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busthead

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "busthead" (also "bust-head" or "bust head") is an old slang term for harsh, cheap whiskey or moonshine so strong it could "bust your head." It’s a vivid warning word for rotgut liquor.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #FoodandDrink

Hillbilly Dude Says...
We never heard 'busthead' growin' up - but I'd recommend avoidin' it. 

Pronunciation

[BUST-hed]

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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.

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Meaning & Usage

- Cheap or harsh moonshine (noun/dialect)

Mae:
Is this the good stuff?
Earl:
Nah - that’s busthead, knock-you-down rotgut.

- Any low-quality whiskey or strong drink (noun/dialect)

Mae:
He spent his pay on busthead and cards.
other spellings: bust-head
★ "Busthead" evokes the rough side of moonshine culture - a cousin to "popskull" or "rotgut." Many places in Virginia and West Virginia even bear the name "Busthead" from old taverns or bootlegging days. ★

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Hillbilly Slang is a collection of real Appalachian and Southern sayings, expressions, and stories - with authentic audio and cultural history so you can hear them said the way they were meant to be.
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Yes. Every entry is either still in use today or recorded from people who grew up hearing it. We also include the meaning, usage examples, and sometimes a story behind the phrase.
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