hillbilly

[ hil-bil-ee ]

noun

, plural hill·bil·lies.

1. a term used to refer to a person from a backwoods or other remote area, especially from the mountains of the southern U.S. (sometimes used facetiously).

adjective

1. of, like, or relating to hillbillies:

   hillbilly humor.

hillbilly

/ ˈhɪlˌbɪlɪ /

noun

1. derogatory.
   an unsophisticated person, esp from the mountainous areas in the southeastern US
2. another name for country and western

Sensitive Note

Hillbilly is often used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting, implying that a person who lives far away from a town or city lacks culture or education. However, this term is also used in a humorous way without intent to offend, and it is sometimes a positive term of self-reference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hillbilly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; hill + Billy

Word History and Origins

Origin of hillbilly¹

C20: from hill + Billy (the nickname)

Related Words

• bumpkin