hillbilly

American  

[hil-bil-ee] / ˈhɪlˌbɪl i /

noun

PLURAL

hillbillies

1. a term used to refer to a person from a backwoods or other remote area, especially from the mountains of the southern U.S. (sometimes used facetiously).

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adjective

1. of, like, or relating to hillbillies.

   hillbilly humor.

hillbilly British  

/ ˈhɪlˌbɪlɪ /

noun

1. derogatory  an unsophisticated person, esp from the mountainous areas in the southeastern US

2. another name for country and western

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Sensitive Note

Hillbilly is often used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting, implying that a person who lives far away from a town or city lacks culture or education. However, this term is also used in a humorous way without intent to offend, and it is sometimes a positive term of self-reference.

Etymology

Origin of hillbilly

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; hill + Billy

Compare meaning

How does hillbilly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hillbilly vs. redneck

Example Sentences

He also felt a strong kinship with country and other forms of “hillbilly music.”

From Seattle Times

I had the sudden realization that to the rest of the world the U.S. was nothing more than a nation of insanely and obscenely armed hillbillies.

From Salon

Labels on early soda bottles promised it was “specially blended in the traditional hillbilly style.”

From New York Times

While Grande claimed his account had been hacked, the former Montreal Impact midfielder did admit to calling separatist voters “hillbillies” and “stupid.”

From Seattle Times

He lived his whole life saying he was a hillbilly and was very proud of it.

From Salon

Related Words

• bumpkin