Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I was just talkin' to a friend recently and 'catchin’' is the only word I could think of. I'd say it's more country, and a little more old timers. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I was just talkin' to a friend recently and 'catchin’' is the only word I could think of. I'd say it's more country, and a little more old timers. 

Pronunciation

[KATCH-in] /ˈkætʃɪn/

Meaning & Usage

- Contagious; easily spread (adjective)

Mae:
You oughta stay home.
Earl:
Yeah-this cough’s catchin’.

- Figurative: easily picked up by others (adjective)

Mae:
These kids got the giggles.
Earl:
Laughter’s catchin’ today.
variations: contagious, infectious, going around
★ This is an older English use of "catching" that Southern/Appalachian speech kept alive. If you want to sound regionally true, use "catchin’" for illnesses ("That rash is catchin’."). ★

Origin and Etymology

Most common in the South and South Midland, this usage carries on an older British English sense where "catching" meant "contagious."

Usage Notes

Still common among older speakers and in rural communities. Younger speakers may prefer "contagious," but "catchin’" remains readily understood across the region.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: drop the "g" → "catchin’." Often paired with "mighty" or "right smart": "It’s mighty catchin’."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "catchin’" just dropping the "g"?
The pronunciation is widespread, but the meaning "contagious" is the regional feature.
Can it describe non-illness things?
Yes-used figuratively for moods or behaviors ("her excitement is catchin’").

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Catching. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/catching
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Catching." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/catching.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Catching." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/catching.
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