In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "burr" is the spiny seed head of certain plants - cockleburs, sandburs, burdock - that cling to clothes, pets, or anything that brushes by. They’re the country kid’s enemy, always hitchin’ a ride home from the woods.
★ A burr doesn’t poke like a thorn - it latches on with tiny hooks. That’s why they stick so tight to socks, shoelaces, or a dog’s fur. Velcro was even inspired by burrs. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English *burre*, meaning the prickly seed head of a plant. Appalachian and Southern talk kept the plain form "burr" as the everyday word.
Usage Notes
Very common in Appalachian and Southern families, especially in farm and childhood talk. Sometimes called "sticker burrs," but in the hills "sticker" (thorn) and "burr" (seed head) are often kept separate.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said short and plain: "bur." Sometimes spelled with one "r."
No - a burr sticks onto you, a sticker sticks into you.
Do all burrs come from the same plant?
No - many plants make burrs, like cockleburs, sandburs, and burdock.
Do people still use the word "burr"?
Absolutely - it’s still common in rural and Appalachian talk.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 27). Burr. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/burr
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Burr." HillbillySlang.com, 27 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/burr.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Burr." HillbillySlang.com. August 27, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/burr.
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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...
Those 'burrs' will cover your socks, that's for sure. It's all I've ever known 'em to be called.