Critter
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "critter" means creature - usually an animal, but sometimes used playfully for a person. It’s one of the most recognizable words of mountain talk.
Pronunciation
[KRIT-ur]
Meaning & Usage
- Animal / Creature (noun)
Mae:
What’s rustlin’ in the cornfield?
What’s rustlin’ in the cornfield?
Earl:
Just a critter nosin’ around.
Just a critter nosin’ around.
Ruby:
These critters eat better than I do.
These critters eat better than I do.- Playful Reference to a Person (noun)
Estel:
That young’un’s a wild little critter.
That young’un’s a wild little critter.variations: critter, crittur, crittter (rare spelling), creature (standard English)
★ When mountain folks say "critters," they usually mean *all kinds of animals.* It’s not just about wildlife - pets and livestock are critters too. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the word "creature," blended and softened in rural English speech. The form "critter" has been common in America since the 18th century and stuck hard in Appalachian talk.
Usage Notes
"Critter" is affectionate, down-to-earth, and widely recognized as Southern/Appalachian. It can carry humor, fondness, or just plain description. Unlike "beast," it has no harsh edge.
Say It Like a Southerner
Drop the "ea" in "creature" and soften the ending: "critter." Stress the first syllable. In mountain speech it’s short and plain: "KRIT-ur."