bumpkin

¹

[ buhmp-kin ]

noun

, Informal.

1. an awkward, simple, unsophisticated person from a rural area; yokel.

   Synonyms: yahoo, hick, rube, hayseed, hillbilly, boor, clod

bumpkin

²

[ buhmp-kin ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a beam or spar projecting outward from the hull of a vessel, for extending a sail, securing blocks, etc.

bumpkin

¹

/ ˈbʌmpkɪn /

noun

1. an awkward simple rustic person (esp in the phrase country bumpkin )

bumpkin

²

/ ˈbʌmpkɪn /

noun

1. See boomkin
   variant spellings of boomkin

Other Words From

• bumpkin·ish bumpkin·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumpkin¹

1560–70; < Middle Dutch bommekijn “little barrel,” equivalent to boom beam + -kijn -kin

Origin of bumpkin²

First recorded in 1625–35; from Middle Dutch boomken, equivalent to boom “tree, pole, beam” + -ken, diminutive suffix; boom ², beam, -kin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumpkin¹

C16 (perhaps originally applied to Dutchmen): perhaps from Dutch boomken small tree, or from Middle Dutch boomekijn small barrel, alluding to a short or squat person

Example Sentences

Well then, Mr. Bumpkin, there is first a history of your life.

From Project Gutenberg

Ah, quite so, quite so; so I should have supposed from what I know of you, Mr. Bumpkin.

From Project Gutenberg

Now Mr. Bumpkin, as the reader knows, was not alone in his expedition.

From Project Gutenberg

“It have been a mighty long time about, surely,” said Mr. Bumpkin.

From Project Gutenberg

“Thee beest too old, thee meanest,” said Mrs. Bumpkin, laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• country bumpkin
• rube