In Appalachian and Southern speech, "heathern" is a colorful variant of "heathen." It’s often used to scold rowdy kids or call someone uncivilized or wild.
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, but it's less common in town.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, but it's less common in town.
Pronunciation
[HEE-thurn]
Meaning & Usage
- Rowdy or uncivilized person (noun)
At Sunday school
Elmer:
Buncha heatherns had Taylor Swift cranked up real loud 'is mornin'.
Estel:
That was me.
- Playful insult (noun)
Family supper
Elmer:
Which one o'y'allheatherns done ate my biscuit 'fore I even sat down?
variations: heathen, heatherns
★ "Heathern" usually isn’t meant literally. It’s a mountain way of fussing at kids, friends, or kinfolk for acting wild or unrefined. ★
Origin and Etymology
From "heathen," an old English word for a non-believer or uncivilized person. In Appalachian speech, the ending shifted, creating "heathern," which took on a playful, scolding use.
Usage Notes
Common in older Appalachian and Southern generations. Still heard today, especially in church settings or from parents and grandparents fussing at kids.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said quick, with the final syllable softened: "hee-thurn." The extra "r" sound rolls in naturally in mountain speech.
Pretty much - but in Appalachian talk it’s more about rowdy behavior than religion.
Is it still used today?
Yes - mostly by older folks, often in a playful or scolding way.
Is it an insult?
Not usually - it’s more of a fussing word, though tone can make it sharper.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 3). Heathern. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/heathern
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Heathern." HillbillySlang.com, 3 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/heathern.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Heathern." HillbillySlang.com. September 3, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/heathern.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
'Heatherns' has been around long as I remember. I still use it myself, 
