baccer

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "baccer" means tobacco. It’s the local pronunciation and spelling, used when talking about growing, curing, or chewing tobacco.

#Appalachia   #OldTimers   #Southern

Pronunciation

[BAK-er]

Meaning & Usage

- Tobacco as a crop (noun)

On the farm
Mae:
What’s in that field?

Earl:
That’s baccer - we’ll cut it come August.

- Tobacco for chewing or smoking (noun)

On the porch
Mae:
Got any chewin’?

Earl:
Yeah, a twist of baccer right here.

other spellings: tobacco, baccy, bacco, and backer
★ When somebody says "baccer patch," they mean a field of tobacco plants. "Baccer barn" is where it’s hung to cure. ★

Origin

From "tobacco," with the middle syllable dropped in Appalachian and Southern speech. Variants like "bacco" and "baccy" appear in rural English dialects going back centuries.

Notes

Common in Appalachian and Southern talk, especially among older generations and farm families. Outsiders may not recognize it right away, but within the region, "baccer" is instantly understood.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "back-er." The middle "o" in tobacco drops out.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "baccer" mean all kinds of tobacco?
Yes - it can mean the crop in the field or processed tobacco for chewing or smoking.
What’s a "baccer barn"?
A building where tobacco is hung up to dry and cure.
Do people still say "baccer" today?
Yes, though it’s more common with older speakers and in rural areas.
About
We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking Since 2025