Critter

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "critter" means creature or animal, and by extension can refer to children in a warm, familiar way.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: animal, creature, kid (playful), rascal, young’un

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Critter is one of those everyday words that slips out without you even thinkin’ - animals, kids, whoever’s runnin’ around.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Critter is one of those everyday words that slips out without you even thinkin’ - animals, kids, whoever’s runnin’ around.

Pronunciation

[KRIT-ur]
/ˈkrɪt.ər/

Meaning & Usage

- Animal; creature (noun)

Mae:

What’s rustlin’ in the cornfield?

Earl:

Prob’ly just a critter nosin’ around.

Ruby:

These critters eat better’n I do.

- Child; playful reference to kids (noun)

Mae:

Where’re your critters today?

Earl:

Stayin’ the night with Mamaw.

Estel:

Them little critters been into everything this mornin’.

- Playful reference to a person (noun)

Ruby:

He’s a peculiar little critter today.

variations: critter, crittur, creature

★ If someone says "your critters," they almost always mean your kids - not your goats or dogs (though it could be that too). ★

Origin and Etymology

"Critter" developed from the word "creature," softened and clipped in rural English speech. By the 18th century it was common in frontier America and took firm root in Appalachia and the South. Its use for children grew naturally from the lighthearted, familiar way mountain folks talk.

Usage Notes

"Critter" is friendly and down-to-earth, carrying no insult unless the context makes it one. It applies broadly to animals and is widely used for children in affectionate or humorous talk.

Common for livestock, pets, and wild animals
Very common for kids ("your critters")
Signals warmth or gentle teasing
Still widely used across the South and Appalachia

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "critter" only mean animals?

No - it’s also widely used for kids in a warm, familiar way.

Is it insulting?

Not in this dialect. It’s usually affectionate or teasing.

Do people still use "critter"?

Absolutely - it’s one of the most common and recognizable Appalachian/Southern words.

Is it just a pronunciation of "creature"?

Yes, but it has taken on a life of its own in regional speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 15). Critter. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/critter
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Critter." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/critter.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Critter." HillbillySlang.com. November 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/critter.