Bunch
In Southern and Appalachian English, "bunch" (usually stressed) refers to a group of people - often said with tone, humor, or judgment. It’s more than just "a group"; it’s a word colored by attitude and familiarity.
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #ScoldingandTeasing
synonyms: crew, gang, folks, crowd
Hillbilly Dude Says...
To hear a group of people referred to as a 'bunch' negatively around here is common. Hillbilly Dude Says...
To hear a group of people referred to as a 'bunch' negatively around here is common. Pronunciation
[BUNCH]
/bʌntʃ/
/bʌntʃ/
Meaning & Usage
- Group of people (noun)
Clyde:
That bunch from over the ridge showed up again.
That bunch from over the ridge showed up again.
Lou:
Yeah - same bunch that left muddy bootprints last time.
Yeah - same bunch that left muddy bootprints last time.variations: group, crowd, lot
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English bunche ("a swelling or cluster"). In Southern and Appalachian English, the meaning narrowed over time to refer mainly to people - often those viewed as a distinct social group. The pronunciation and stress ("that BUNCH") add emotional color, signaling either affection or criticism.
Usage Notes
While "bunch" is understood across the U.S., Southerners and Appalachians use it more sharply and almost exclusively for people.
- Stressed for emphasis: "That BUNCH don’t know what they’re doin’."
- Often implies tone - teasing, critical, or proud, depending on context.
- Neutral or literal uses ("a bunch of grapes") are universal, but this people-centered, judgmental sense is especially Southern/Appalachian.