country cousin

noun

1. a person from the country or from a small town, to whom the sights and activities of a large city are novel and bewildering.

country cousin

noun

1. an unsophisticated person from the country, esp one regarded as an object of amusement

Word History and Origins

Origin of country cousin¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Idioms and Phrases

One whose lack of sophistication or rural ways may amuse or embarrass city dwellers. For example, The sightseeing guide geared his tour toward country cousins who had never been to a large city before . This term, which literally means “a cousin who lives in the country,” has been used in this figurative way since the second half of the 1700s, although the idea is much older (such persons were stock figures of fun in Restoration comedies of the late 1600s and early 1700s).

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, New York still viewed Washington as a dowdy country cousin, not quite up to the Big Money show.

From The Daily Beast

She had no party dresses, but with Mrs. Willard's assistance she always looked the beautiful country cousin.

From Project Gutenberg

I should die of mortification to have a country cousin come around just now.

From Project Gutenberg

Her visitor smiled and complied, pleased with her country cousin's delight.

From Project Gutenberg

I was going to tell you of my friend's adventure in the New York car, a sober-moving thing in comparison with its country cousin.

From Project Gutenberg

These cousins were rather apt to attempt the city-cousin rôle, and to treat her as a country cousin and poor relation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hick
• hillbilly