In Appalachian speech, "buddan-buddan" is an onomatopoeia usually used to mock anybody riding or driving anything with a motor. But it can just represent the sputtering, uneven sound of a small engine-minibike, lawnmower, go-kart, tiller.
We used to ride a little Honda 50 that went buddan-buddan all over the neighborhood. Until my brother hit a moving car. After that, we had to ride a dented Honda 50 missing a headlight around the yard.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We used to ride a little Honda 50 that went buddan-buddan all over the neighborhood. Until my brother hit a moving car. After that, we had to ride a dented Honda 50 missing a headlight around the yard.
Pronunciation
[BUH-dun BUH-dun]
/ˈbʌdən ˈbʌdən/
Meaning & Usage
- Small-engine sound (noun / sound-word)
By the shed
Mae:
Hear that mower? Buddan-buddan like it’s runnin’ on one cylinder.
Earl:
Yep, she’ll cut if you baby her.
- Mocking imitation of an engine (interjection / tease)
★ Somebody rides by all decked out on a moped? Good time for a 'buddan buddan.' ★
Origin and Etymology
Oral Appalachian usage; a playful, phonetic way of imitating a chugging small engine. Likely evolved locally alongside everyday farm and yard machines, then passed down in families rather than written sources.
Usage Notes
Most common in rural Appalachia and the South. Often doubled ("buddan-buddan") to mimic rhythm. Works straight for sound, or jokingly to deflate showy revving.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it quick and bouncy: "buh-dun buh-dun." Keep the vowels short and let the second beat land a little softer, like a tired cylinder missing a stroke.
No-any small, sputtery motor works: mower, go-kart, tiller, old boat motor.
Can I use it for big engines?
You can-as a joke. Folks use it to poke fun at loud revving by comparing it to a pipsqueak motor.
How does it differ from "putt-putt"?
"Putt-putt" is generic; "buddan-buddan" carries a more Appalachian flavor and a choppier cadence.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 17). Buddan-Buddan. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/buddan-buddan
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Buddan-Buddan." HillbillySlang.com, 17 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/buddan-buddan.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Buddan-Buddan." HillbillySlang.com. November 17, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/buddan-buddan.
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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...
We used to ride a little Honda 50 that went buddan-buddan all over the neighborhood. Until my brother hit a moving car. After that, we had to ride a dented Honda 50 missing a headlight around the yard. 
