hillbilly

[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).
adjective
2.
of, like, or relating to hillbillies:
hillbilly humor.
Origin
1895-1900, Americanism; hill + Billy
Usage 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.
Examples from the web for hillbilly
  • Tell a hillbilly joke at a smart dinner party and everyone will laugh.
  • Onstage now, three bears are playing air fiddle and plastic fish for guitars while a hillbilly song plays.
  • Revel in the immortal yearnings of guitar-slinging hillbilly cats.
British Dictionary definitions for hillbilly

hillbilly

/ˈhɪlˌbɪlɪ/
noun (pl) -lies
1.
generally (derogatory) an unsophisticated person, esp from the mountainous areas in the southeastern US
2.
another name for country and western
Word Origin
C20: from hill + Billy (the nickname)
Word Origin and History for 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.

Slang definitions & phrases for hillbilly

hillbilly

adjective
  1. : hillbilly music/ hillbilly crafts
  2. Countrified; unsophisticated; hick: This ain't no hillbilly joint. We got some class here
noun
  1. A southern Appalachian hill dweller •Regarded as offensive by some (1900+)
  2. A country bumpkin