In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Blackberry Winter" names a late-spring cold snap that arrives when blackberry bushes bloom, often early to mid-May. It’s part of a folk calendar marking weather patterns.
Everybody knows about 'Blackberry Winter' around here. It'll take out lots of stuff if you don't prepare.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Everybody knows about 'Blackberry Winter' around here. It'll take out lots of stuff if you don't prepare.
Pronunciation
[BLACK-ber-ee WIN-ter]
Meaning & Usage
- A brief cold spell in late spring during blackberry bloom (noun phrase)
Talking about the weather
Mae:
Cold this week!
Earl:
Yep - it’s Blackberry Winter. Happens every year when the blooms come on.
variations: late-spring cold snap, one of the "little winters"
★ Blackberry Winter is one of several "little winters" recognized by Southern/Appalachian folk calendars. Others include Dogwood Winter, Redbud Winter, and Whippoorwill Winter. ★
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in Southern/Appalachian folk weather lore. Farmers noticed a cold snap during blackberry bloom and named it "Blackberry Winter," blending natural observation with seasonal timing.
Usage Notes
Still a common term among older rural residents and in local newspapers or almanacs. Rare outside the South, though some Midwesterners recognize it from folk tradition.
Nearly - it’s a recurring pattern tied to regional weather and bloom time.
Is it only in the South?
Strongest in Southern/Appalachian regions but similar folk terms appear elsewhere with local plants.
Is Blackberry Winter a true season?
No - it’s a folk term for a brief cold snap, not an official meteorological season.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 13). Blackberry Winter. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/blackberry-winter
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Blackberry Winter." HillbillySlang.com, 13 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/blackberry-winter.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Blackberry Winter." HillbillySlang.com. September 13, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/blackberry-winter.
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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...
Everybody knows about 'Blackberry Winter' around here. It'll take out lots of stuff if you don't prepare. 
