burr
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.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Those 'burrs' will cover your socks, that's for sure. It's all I've ever known 'em to be called. Pronunciation
[BUR]
Meaning & Usage
- A spiny seed that clings to clothes or fur (noun)
Mae:
These woods is full of burrs - I got a dozen on my britches.
These woods is full of burrs - I got a dozen on my britches.
Earl:
Better pick ’em off before you sit on the couch.
Better pick ’em off before you sit on the couch.other spellings: cocklebur, sandbur, burdock, sticker burr, hitchhiker, ``pricker ball``, and ``beggar’s lice`` (related plant)
★ 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
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.
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."