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."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 25). Britches. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/britches
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Britches." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/britches.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Britches." HillbillySlang.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/britches.
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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...