Bad’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "bad’un" means "bad one."
It can describe a mischievous person, a mean animal, or anything troublesome or rough in spirit.
synonyms: rascal, troublemaker, mean one, rough sort
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If I get a pithy apple, I'm gonna say 'this'un's a bad’un' - common, everday around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
If I get a pithy apple, I'm gonna say 'this'un's a bad’un' - common, everday around here. Pronunciation
[BAD-uhn]
/ˈbæd.ən/
/ˈbæd.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Someone or something troublesome, mean, or rough
Earl:
You messin’ with that bull again?
You messin’ with that bull again?
Ray:
Naw, he’s a bad’un-I leave him be.
Naw, he’s a bad’un-I leave him be.variations: bad one, badun, bad ’un
Origin and Etymology
From the contraction of "bad one," part of the same speech pattern that formed "good’un," "mean’un," and "big’un." Rooted in older British English ("a wicked ’un"), the shortened "’un" form took strong hold in Southern and Appalachian talk, where it’s still widely used.
Usage Notes
"Bad’un" can describe anything from a villain to a storm.
Tone determines whether it’s meant seriously, jokingly, or with a little admiration for toughness.
- "That dog’s a bad’un." → mean or fierce.
- "Storm rolled through last night-she was a bad’un." → strong or destructive.
- "He’s a bad’un, but he’s our kind of bad’un." → playful or affectionate teasing.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 6). Bad’un. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/badun
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Bad’un." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/badun.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Bad’un." HillbillySlang.com. October 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/badun.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...