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. Pronunciation
[BAD-uhn] /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.