In Appalachian and Southern talk, "big’un" means "big one." It’s a casual contraction that rolls together in mountain speech and is often used for people, animals, or objects.
The littleun’s asleep, but the big’un can help set the table.
variations: big one, bigguns, big’un, big’uns
★ "Big’un" is often paired with "little’un," giving a simple way to distinguish between siblings, kids, or sizes of things. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the phrase "big one." In Appalachian and Southern speech, "one" often softens to "’un," creating forms like "little’un" and "big’un."
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachian families and rural Southern communities. You’ll hear it often when folks are comparing sizes - of kids, fish, dogs, or anything else.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said quick and easy, like one word: "bigg-uhn." The "one" part is shortened to just "’un."
As long as people can read it, it's fine. But we spell it "big'un."
Is "big’un" only used for people?
No - it can describe animals, kids, or just about anything that’s large.
What’s the opposite of "big’un"?
"Little’un," meaning little one.
Is it considered proper English?
Not in formal writing - but it’s deeply natural in spoken Appalachian and Southern English.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 18). Big’un. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bigun
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Big’un." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bigun.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Big’un." HillbillySlang.com. September 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/bigun.
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Slang
Latest Southernish
About
Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
This is one of those common, everday words - I use 'big’un' all the time.