Hidy
In Southern and Appalachian speech, hidy is a friendly greeting meaning hello, similar to "hey" or "hi," often said quickly and cheerfully.
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synonyms: hey, hi, howdy
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've never used 'hidy,' but I have heard it all my life. It's common around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've never used 'hidy,' but I have heard it all my life. It's common around here. Pronunciation
[HIGH-dee]
/ˈhaɪ.di/
/ˈhaɪ.di/
Meaning & Usage
- Hello; casual greeting (interjection)
Earl:
Hidy! Y’all doin’ alright?
Hidy! Y’all doin’ alright?
Jess:
Hidy there - just gettin’ back from town.
Hidy there - just gettin’ back from town.variations: hidey, hidee, hidy there
★ If somebody says "hidy," they’re bein’ friendly - it’s a quick, easy greetin’ you can holler from the porch or yard. ★
Origin and Etymology
Derived from a shortened pronunciation of "how do you do," similar to "howdy," but simplified further. Widely used in rural Southern and Appalachian communities since at least the early 1900s. It reflects the region’s tendency toward efficient, easygoing speech.
Usage Notes
"Hidy" is often a brief acknowledgment when passing someone or hollerin’ hello from across the way. It can stand alone or be followed by "there," but it remains distinct from "howdy," which typically suggests a fuller greeting or conversation.