Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Next post.
Previous post.

Close Akin

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "close akin" means closely related, either by blood or by likeness. It’s used to sort out family ties or to compare two things that are similar in nature.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #DialectandGrammar   #OldTimers   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard close akin all my life, but when it comes to comparin' two things, that's mainly old timers. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard close akin all my life, but when it comes to comparin' two things, that's mainly old timers. 

Pronunciation

[klohs uh-KIN]

Meaning & Usage

- Closely related by family (phrase)

Mae:
Are y’all kin?
Earl:
Yeah, we’re close akin - his granny’s my aunt’s sister.

- Similar in kind or nature (figurative)

Mae:
That critter looks like a big ol’ rat.
Earl:
Well, possums are close akin to rats.
★ "Close akin" shows how flexible country speech can be. It covers both kinfolk and comparisons, giving it a double life in family talk and colorful descriptions. ★

Origin and Etymology

From the old English word "akin," meaning related by blood. Rural Southern and Appalachian speakers expanded it beyond kinship to describe similarity between animals, people, or even objects.

Usage Notes

Still common in rural talk, especially in family conversations and storytelling. Outside the South, "akin" may sound formal, but "close akin" remains down-home and natural.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "close uh-kin." Sometimes shortened further in quick talk: "clos’ kin."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "close akin" only mean family?
No - it can also mean two things are similar in kind.
Is "close kin" the same as "close akin"?
Pretty much - though "close akin" is more old-timey and folksy.
Do younger people use it?
Less often, but it’s still heard in family talk and country humor.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 4). Close Akin. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/close-akin
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Close Akin." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/close-akin.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Close Akin." HillbillySlang.com. September 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/close-akin.
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