hick

American  

[hik] / hɪk /

noun

hicks plural

1. an unsophisticated, boorish, and provincial person; rube.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of hicks.

   hick ideas.

2. located in a rural or culturally unsophisticated area.

   a hick town.

hick British  

/ hɪk /

noun

1. informal

   1. a country person; bumpkin

   2. ( as modifier )

      hick ideas

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• hicks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hick

1555–65; after Hick, familiar form of Richard

Explanation

A hick is an unsophisticated, rural person. Your accent and fondness for wearing overalls might make some people think you're a hick. The word hick is both informal and derogatory — in other words, if you call your cousin who raises dairy goats and chickens a hick, she'll probably be offended. Hick is an adjective too: "I've got to get out of this hick town!" Hick was originally a nickname — like "Rick" — for "Richard," in the 14th century. Along the way, it meant both "hosteler" and "awkward provincial person."

Example Sentences

Dr. John Hick, who worked with first responders, heard the emergency radio chatter while driving and rushed to the scene with an idea.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

The world’s fourth-largest iron ore miner, which has been beset by senior management turnover over the past two years, earlier in the day announced the resignation of its metals division head and co-CEO Fiona Hick.

From Reuters • Aug. 28, 2023

Hick was designated for assignment last Saturday and the Yankees released him before a series opener against San Diego.

From Washington Times • May 26, 2023

Graeme Hick is the only other player who has made a quadruple century in the Championship, when he made an unbeaten 405 for Worcestershire against Somerset in 1988.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2022

“Why, you see, stranger—as I told you, Hick Holt’s a rough customer; an’ I reckon he’ll be an ugly one to deal wi’, on a bisness o’ that kind.”

From The Wild Huntress Love in the Wilderness by Reid, Mayne