bawl

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "bawl" means to cry loudly or to holler/yell. It’s an older English verb that survived strongly in rural talk-especially used with kids ("quit your bawlin’!").

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard about somebody 'bawlin’' all my life, didn't even know it was hillbilly. Commonplace.

Pronunciation

[BAWL] /bɑːl/

Meaning & Usage

- To cry or sob loudly (verb)

Mae:

He skinned his knee.

Earl:

He’s bawlin’ like a calf.

- To shout or holler loudly (verb)

Mae:

How’d you get him in?

Earl:

Just bawled at him from the porch.

variations: cry loudly, sob, holler, yell

★ In farm talk you’ll often hear "bawled like a calf" because calves bawl when separated from their mothers. Southern/Appalachian speech kept this vivid verb long after it faded elsewhere. ★

Origin

From older British English "bawl" meaning "cry out." Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as common in the South and South Midland, especially in family speech and oral storytelling.

Notes

Still widely heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech and recognized across the U.S. Younger speakers may say "cry" instead, but "bawl" remains a strong, colorful verb regionally.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "bawl" rhymes with "haul." Often clipped to "bawlin’." Common phrases: "bawled like a calf," "quit your bawlin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "bawl" always mean "cry"?

No-it can also mean "yell" or "shout," depending on context.

Is it rude?

Not at all-just an old-fashioned verb. It can sound playful, scolding, or descriptive.

Where does "bawled like a calf" come from?

From farm life-calves bawl (cry out) when hungry or separated from their mothers, so it’s a natural simile.