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.
Everybody born and raised down here refers to guests as 'company.'
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)
Before company arrives
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."
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...
Everybody born and raised down here refers to guests as 'company.'