coon

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "coon" is a common short form for raccoon. Folks use it in hunting talk, farm life, and everyday stories about critters.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

Since 'coons' act like a buncha heatherns when they come through, you hear this word a lot.

Pronunciation

[koon]

Meaning & Usage

- A raccoon (noun)

Mae:

What’s the dog barkin’ at?

Earl:

He’s treed a coon out back.

- Used in hunting and critter talk (noun)

Mae:

Did y’all catch anything?

Earl:

Yeah, two coons down by the holler.

other spellings: raccoon, ringtail, critters, a coon in the chicken house, gone coon huntin’, and dog treed a coon last night

★ "Coon" in this sense is just shorthand for raccoon. It’s a big part of coon huntin’ traditions with hounds and lamps. Be mindful that the word has other, unrelated uses outside of this context. ★

Origin

Shortened from "raccoon," which itself comes from the Powhatan word *aroughcun*, meaning "he scratches with his hands." Rural speakers dropped the first part, leaving "coon."

Notes

Still very common in Southern and Appalachian speech, especially in hunting circles and farm talk. Recognized widely, though some avoid it outside rural contexts because of its unrelated offensive meaning.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "coon." Stressed short and sharp.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "coon" always mean raccoon?

In rural Southern/Appalachian talk, yes - but note it also has a different, offensive meaning outside this context.

Do people still say "coon hunting"?

Yes - coon hunting with hounds is a longstanding rural tradition.

Where did the word come from?

It’s a shortened form of raccoon, from a Native American word.