Okie

¹ American  

[oh-kee] / ˈoʊ ki /

noun

Slang: Usually Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a migrant farm worker from Oklahoma or nearby states, especially one who moved westward during the Great Depression.

2. a term used to refer to a native or inhabitant of Oklahoma.

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Okie ² American  

[oh-kee] / ˈoʊ ki /

noun

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a native of Okinawa.

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adjective

1. belonging to the Okinawan people.

Okie British  

/ ˈəʊkɪ /

noun

1. an inhabitant of Oklahoma

2. an impoverished migrant farm worker, esp one who left Oklahoma during the Depression of the 1930s to work elsewhere in the US

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Sensitive Note

In historical contexts, Okie is usually used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting, implying that the migrant worker is poor, transient, ignorant, or uneducated. But as a general nickname for an Oklahoman, Okie is sometimes appropriated as a positive term of self-reference.

Etymology

Origin of Okie¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Ok(lahoma) + -ie

Origin of Okie²

First recorded in 1935–40; Ok(inawa) + -ie

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Okie

The show followed contestants in the Okie Hand Fishing Invitational, a 10-week tournament founded by Beesley when he was filming his cult-classic documentary Okie Noodling in 2000.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

In October, Hermosa Beach local and debut novelist Lauren Okie will be joining the audiobook walking club.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2025

"It happened at a moment when the South was in search of a new identity," says Okie.

From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2023

Bryan might be a proud red dirt Okie, but the songs that have become one of music’s biggest stories this year developed here, deep in the heart of moss country.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 26, 2022

One rule in Oklahoma is that if a grownie talks to you, speak like an Okie.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

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