hayseed

American  

[hey-seed] / ˈheɪˌsid /

noun

1. grass seed, especially that shaken out of hay.

2. small bits of the chaff, straw, etc., of hay.

3. an unsophisticated person from a rural area; yokel; hick.

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hayseed British  

/ ˈheɪˌsiːd /

noun

1. seeds or fragments of grass or straw

2. informal a yokel

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Etymology

Origin of hayseed

First recorded in 1570–80; hay + seed

Explanation

A hayseed is an unintelligent country person, or a hick. You might be tempted to call your farmer cousin a hayseed, but your cousin would probably be upset. The derogatory term hayseed is aimed at rural folks who aren't particularly urbane or savvy — it's a stereotype of someone who's comfortable in the country being awkward, bumbling, and unsophisticated, especially when visiting a city. This U.S. slang comes from the common 19th century saying that country people "have hayseed in their hair."

Example Sentences

Old meaning of hick: hayseed, rube, ill-educated person.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

At the height of The Apprentice’s popularity, Megan Mullally found herself performing the Green Acres theme tune alongside Trump – clad in full hayseed outfit – as part of an excruciatingly protracted Emmys bit.

From The Guardian • Aug. 12, 2019

While Mr. Clark’s musicianship and technical abilities were sometimes overlooked by critics who saw only the hayseed star of “Hee Haw,” he said he had few regrets about his career path.

From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2018

But, for the life of me I can't recall exactly which movie it was and looking at a list doesn't make that task any easier for us hayseed stuffkickers.

From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2017

Lawrence was also, in Cooksey’s eyes, still very much a hayseed.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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