# hick

/ˈhɪk/ (US) · /hˈɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hick
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a person who is considered unsophisticated or uneducated, usually because they live in the countryside. It is a rude word that people use to make fun of someone's background.

For teachers: a person perceived as unsophisticated, unrefined, or lacking in urban cultural knowledge. Often carries a derogatory or classist tone; frequently used in regional dialects to mock rural residents.

## Examples

- He was treated like a hick by the city kids.
- The movie was criticized for its lazy portrayal of the protagonist as a simple-minded hick.
- Sociologists often examine how the term 'hick' functions as a linguistic tool to enforce urban-centric cultural hierarchies and marginalize rural communities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.