Heifer
A heifer is a young female cow that hasn’t had a calf yet. In Southern and Appalachian speech, it’s also used jokingly for a stubborn or strong-willed person - said with humor, not harm.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I have never, not have any plans to call a person an 'ol’ heifer,' but I use it for a cow. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I have never, not have any plans to call a person an 'ol’ heifer,' but I use it for a cow. Pronunciation
[HEH-fur]
/ˈhɛ.fɚ/
/ˈhɛ.fɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- Young Female Cow (noun)
Papaw:
That heifer ain’t took to the bull yet.
That heifer ain’t took to the bull yet.
Mamaw:
She’s just green - give her time.
She’s just green - give her time.- Playful or Teasing Term for a Person (noun, figurative)
Estel:
That ol’ heifer done ate all the biscuits.
That ol’ heifer done ate all the biscuits.
Elmer:
Can’t leave her alone five minutes.
Can’t leave her alone five minutes.★ Tone matters - said kindly, it’s folksy and funny; said sharp, it can sting. Use it like you would "rascal" or "mess." ★
Origin and Etymology
From Old English heahfore and Old Norse høfurr, meaning "young cow." The figurative sense arose naturally in farm communities, where animal behavior often colored everyday talk.
Usage Notes
Common across rural Southern and Appalachian speech. Often heard in both its literal and playful senses on farms and in family banter.