hillbilly
pronunciation
How to pronounce hillbilly in British English:
UK [ˈhɪlbɪli]
How to pronounce hillbilly in American English:
US [ˈhɪlˌbɪli]
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- Noun:
- a disparaging term for an unsophisticated person
Word Origin
- hillbilly (n.)
- "southern Appalachian U.S. resident," by 1892, from hill + masc. proper name Billy/Billie. Then again, I do not think It will do so well. I would hate to see some old railroad man come here and take my job, and then, I don t think It is right to hire some Hill Billy and give him the same right as I just because he was hired the same time I was. ["The Railroad Trainmen's Journal," vol. IX, July 1892] In short, a Hill-Billie is a free and untrammelled white citizen of Alabama, who lives in the hills, has no means to speak of, dresses as he can, talks as he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it, and fires of his revolver as the fancy takes him. ["New York Journal," April 23, 1900] In reference to a type of folk music, first attested 1924.
Example
- 1. How do you know if you 're a real hillbilly ?
- 2. What kind of hillbilly are you , really ?
- 3. I 've written some hillbilly songs .
- 4. What kind of hillbilly are you ?
- 5. We had to move to hillbilly hell !