Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

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buddan-buddan

In Appalachian speech, "buddan-buddan" is an onomatopoeia for the sputtering, uneven sound of a small engine-minibike, lawnmower, go-kart, tiller. It’s also used playfully to mock a loud engine by comparing it to a dinky small-motor putter.

#Appalachia

Hillbilly Dude Says...
We used to ride a little Honda 50 that went buddan-buddan all over the neighborhood. Until my brother hit a moving car. After that, we had to ride a dented Honda 50 missing a headlight around the yard. 

Pronunciation

[BUH-dun BUH-dun]

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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.

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Meaning & Usage

- Small-engine sound (noun / sound-word)

Mae:
Hear that mower? Buddan-buddan like it’s runnin’ on one cylinder.
Earl:
Yep, she’ll cut if you baby her.

- Mocking imitation of an engine (interjection / tease)

Tate:
That Harley fella about shook the windows.
June:
Buddan-buddan!

(said with a grin)
other spellings: buddan-buddan, buddin-buddin, buddin’ (single), putt-putt (similar), chug-chug (similar), and sputter-sputter (similar)
★ Think single-cylinder: minibikes, push mowers, old tillers, small outboards. If it’s rough, sputtery, and a little underpowered, "buddan-buddan" fits. ★

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