English Reference
Noun

hillbilly

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈhɪɫbɪɫi/ UK /hˈɪlbɪlˌi/ hill·bil·ly UK spelling hillbillies

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.


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.


From hill + billy (“fellow”). Compare Scots chapman billie (“travelling salesman”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated