Company

In Southern and Appalachian homes, "company" means visitors or guests. It’s one of those words that turns an ordinary evening into a social occasion-when company’s coming, you sweep, smile, and serve sweet tea.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: guests, visitors, friends, kin

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Everybody born and raised down here refers to guests as 'company.'

Pronunciation

[KUMP-nee] /ˈkʌmp.ni/

Meaning & Usage

- Visitors or guests (noun)

Mama:

Light that candle-company’s comin’.

Kid:

Do I have to wear shoes?

variations: guests, visitors, folks, kinfolk

Origin and Etymology

From Middle English "compainie," meaning fellowship or companionship. In Southern and Appalachian usage, "company" came to mean guests in one’s home-a reflection of strong traditions of hospitality.

Usage Notes

Still widely used across the South. Always implies more than just presence-it’s respect, care, and presentation.

"We got company." → "We have guests."
"Don’t act up, we got company." → "Be polite; people are here."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "company" mean in the South?

It means guests or visitors at home.

Is it still used today?

Yes, almost every Southern household still uses it.

What’s the difference between "company" and "having company"?

"Company" is the guests themselves; "having company" describes the act of hosting or expecting them.

How to Cite This Page

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