Dice
 
 
 
 
 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say 'feared' is more old timers and regional that the others. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'd say 'feared' is more old timers and regional that the others. 

Pronunciation

[FEERD] /fɪrd/

Meaning & Usage

- Afraid or scared (adjective)

Ella:
He won’t go in the creek?
Jeb:
No - he’s feared of water.
variations: Afraid, Scared, Skeered, Askeered
★ "Feared" as an adjective meaning "afraid" reflects older English usage. It survived in rural Southern and Appalachian speech as a living synonym for "afraid," alongside "skeered" and "askeered." ★

Origin and Etymology

From Middle English "fered" or "fere" meaning "afraid." This sense was common in older British dialects and persisted in Scots-Irish and Appalachian speech long after it disappeared from standard English.

Usage Notes

Still heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech, especially among older speakers. Outside the region it may be recognized as a quaint or humorous way of saying "afraid."

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "feared" - often said "feer’d" with the "ed" compressed to a single syllable.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "feared" wrong?
In standard English, yes, but in dialect it’s authentic with deep historical roots.
Does it only appear with "of"?
Most often yes ("feared of snakes"), but it can also stand alone ("He’s right feared").
Is it still used today?
Yes - though less common than "skeered," it still pops up in rural speech and storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Feared. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feared
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Feared." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feared.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Feared." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/feared.
advertisement...
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Words
About
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...
Slang, folklore, culture, and accent vary from place to place, even ridge to ridge - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use • Privacy Policy
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home