Heathern 
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.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
'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)
Elmer:
Estel:
That was me.
That was me.- Playful insult (noun)
Elmer:
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.