In Appalachian and Southern speech, "clompin’" means walking heavy-footed and noisy, like stomping around in boots. It’s often used in scolding children for making too much racket indoors.
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?'
Pronunciation
[CLAWP-uhn]
/ˈklɔːp.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Walking heavy-footed and loud (verb, regional use)
At the house
Mae:
What’s that noise upstairs?
Earl:
Kids just clompin’ around again.
- To stomp or tromp roughly (verb, overlapping use)
Out in the barn
Mae:
He’s mad.
Earl:
Yeah, went clompin’ out the door.
variations: clumpin’
★ "Clompin’" paints a sound picture - you can almost hear boots on old wooden floors. It’s one of those words that makes the action noisy just by sayin’ it. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "clomp," an imitative word for a heavy, dull sound. Appeared in English in the 1800s and survived strong in Appalachian and Southern dialects alongside "stomp" and "tromp."
Usage Notes
Still common in Southern/Appalachian family talk, especially in scolding. Recognized nationally, but the dropped "g" form gives it regional flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "klomp-in." The final "g" is dropped: "clompin’."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site 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...
Just about everday I'll ask a young'un 'why are you clompin’ through the house like 'at?' 
