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

Some may be tempted to compare it to "The Proud Family" or even aspects of "The Boondocks" — which isn't off base, since Cherry's co-showrunner is "Boondocks" producer Carl Jones.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2023

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

The actor had a prolific career, co-starring in three Friday films, appearing on The Wayans Bros television series and voicing the grandfather in The Boondocks animated series.

From The Guardian • Oct. 30, 2019

Regina King, who appeared as Witherspoon's daughter in "Friday" and also voiced both of his grandsons in "The Boondocks," called him her "comedic inspiration" on Twitter.

From Fox News • Oct. 30, 2019

Those recordings, produced by South, included Down In The Boondocks, I Knew You When and Hush, which was to become a hit single for Deep Purple.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2012