boondocks

American  

[boon-doks] / ˈbunˌdɒks /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a remote rural area.

   The company moved to a small town out in the boondocks.

   Synonyms:

   boonies, backwoods, back country

2. an uninhabited area with thick natural vegetation, such as a backwoods or marsh.

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verb (used without object)

1. boondock to camp, especially in a vehicle, in places other than recognized campgrounds, such as in a mall parking lot, a highway rest area, or a field.

   We called the inn to ask if we could boondock with our RV in their parking lot.

boondocks British  

/ ˈbuːnˌdɒks /

plural noun

1. wild, desolate, or uninhabitable country

2. a remote rural or provincial area

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Etymology

Origin of boondocks

An Americanism first recorded in 1940–45; from Tagalog bundok “mountain” + -s ³ (in locative derivations such as the sticks, the dumps, etc.)

Explanation

Living out in the boondocks means being far from city life, surrounded by nature in a remote area where the conveniences of urban living are distant. The term boondocks comes from the Tagalog word bundok, meaning "mountain." This word entered the English language when American soldiers were stationed in the Philippines and began using it to describe remote, mountainous areas. Over time, boondocks evolved to refer to any rural or isolated location far from urban centers. While many people enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the boondocks, others might miss the conveniences and vibrancy found in busier places.

Example Sentences

Among those taking the stage will be The Boondocks - a four piece indie rock band originally formed in Pärnu, the coastal city in the south west of the country.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2024

Your mom showing you the crack was almost like a "Boondocks" episode, but her strategy worked.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

Animation was handled by Studio Mir — which previously worked on shows like The Legend of Korra, The Boondocks, and Dota: Dragon’s Blood — while DeMayo penned the story.

From The Verge • Aug. 6, 2021

Regina King, who appeared as Witherspoon’s daughter in Friday and also voiced both of his grandsons in the animated series The Boondocks, called him her “comedic inspiration” on Twitter.

From The Guardian • Oct. 30, 2019

He also performed on "The Wayans Bros." television series and voiced the grandfather in "The Boondocks" animated series.

From Fox News • Oct. 30, 2019