Word
hillbilly
Phoneticshill·bil·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɪɫbɪɫi/
UK/hˈɪlbɪlˌi/
Definition
n. a person from a rural area who lives a simple or poor life. This word is often used to describe someone who is not well-educated or who lives far away from cities.
n. a person from a rural, often poor, and typically isolated area, especially in the United States. Frequently carries a derogatory or stereotypical connotation regarding social class and education.
Examples
“The movie features a hillbilly family living in the mountains.”
“The documentary explores the lives of hillbilly communities in the Appalachian region and their connection to the land.”
“While some hillbilly stereotypes focus on a lack of sophistication, the reality is often a deep-rooted cultural identity shaped by geographic isolation and a distinct oral tradition.”
Examples
simple
“The movie features a hillbilly family living in the mountains.”
contextual
“The documentary explores the lives of hillbilly communities in the Appalachian region and their connection to the land.”
complex
“While some hillbilly stereotypes focus on a lack of sophistication, the reality is often a deep-rooted cultural identity shaped by geographic isolation and a distinct oral tradition.”
Real-World Examples
“Appalachia today includes pockets of extreme poverty and its inhabitants are often offensively depicted as "hillbillies" - simple, unsophisticated and poor.” “Her Nashville journey was as heartbreakingly familiar as a scratchy hillbilly tune being played on the Crosley.” Etymology
From hill + billy (“fellow”). Compare Scots chapman billie (“travelling salesman”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/hillbilly