Britches
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "britches" is the common word for pants or trousers. It comes from "breeches," an older English term for leg coverings.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
People still refer to pants as 'britches' around here. Some old timers, some just out in the country. If I say it, somebody is usually too big for 'em. Hillbilly Dude Says...
People still refer to pants as 'britches' around here. Some old timers, some just out in the country. If I say it, somebody is usually too big for 'em. Pronunciation
[BRITCH-iz]
Meaning & Usage
- Pants, trousers (noun)
Mae:
Go change them muddy britches ‘fore supper.
Go change them muddy britches ‘fore supper.
Earl:
I’ll hang ‘em on the line to dry.
I’ll hang ‘em on the line to dry.variations: breeches, pants, trousers, slacks, overalls, drawers (context-dependent)
★ "Britches" almost always means pants, but it shows up in sayings too - like "too big for your britches." ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English brec ("breeches"), meaning clothing that covered both legs. Over time, "breeches" shifted in Appalachian and Southern dialects to the clipped form "britches," which became the everyday word for pants.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in Appalachia and the South. While "pants" is common elsewhere, "britches" carries a down-home, old-time feel that’s still alive in daily talk.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "britches." Rhymes with "ditches."