Banty

In Appalachian and Southern farm life, a banty (or bantam chicken) is a small, often feisty chicken breed. Folks often call them banties or banies, especially in casual speech.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #OldTimers #Southern #FarmTalk

synonyms: small chicken, bantam, yard chicken

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Dad's always called 'em 'banies,' - and you'll hear that term from old timers out in the country. And me. Which means I must be an old timer.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Dad's always called 'em 'banies,' - and you'll hear that term from old timers out in the country. And me. Which means I must be an old timer.

Pronunciation

[BAN-tee] /ˈbæn.ti/ (singular); [BAN-teez] /ˈbæn.tiz/ (plural)

Meaning & Usage

- Bantam chicken (noun)

Granny:

Don’t mess with them banties, they’ll flog you.

Junior:

I know - Papaw’s banies got me good last summer.

variations: banty, banties, banies, bantam chicken

★ "Banty" or "banies" doesn’t just describe chickens - in some places, calling someone a "banty rooster" means they’re small but scrappy. ★

Origin and Etymology

From bantam chicken, a term dating back to 17th-century European trade with Bantam (Banten) in Indonesia. The clipped form banty developed in American rural speech, especially in the South and Appalachia.

Usage Notes

Banty chickens (banies or banties) are a staple of small Southern and Appalachian farms. Their small size and fierce personalities made them easy to keep in a backyard or barn lot. Because they’re so common in the region, "banty" also works as a personality descriptor - someone called a "banty rooster" is usually small but scrappy, bold, or quick-tempered.

Banty - singular form ("That banty rooster’ll spur you.")
Banties / Banies - plural forms ("Papaw had twelve banies.")
Banty rooster - often metaphor for a small but aggressive man.
Sometimes used as an affectionate nickname for a wiry, energetic person.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Are "banties" and "banies" the same thing?

Yes - both are casual ways Southerners say "bantam chickens."

Why do people keep banties?

They’re hardy, small, and often have striking plumage. Many families kept them for eggs, meat, or simply because they’re easier to raise in small spaces.

Is "banty rooster" an insult?

Not necessarily - it can be affectionate or teasing, but it implies someone small yet fiery.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 24). Banty. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/banty
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Banty." HillbillySlang.com, 24 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/banty.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Banty." HillbillySlang.com. September 24, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/banty.

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