Holler
In Appalachian speech, "holler" can mean a small, secluded valley; to yell loudly; or to reach out to someone later. Context (and tone) tells you which one’s meant.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We use 'holler' as a synonym for 'yell' all day long around here. And I also hear it used in place of 'hollow' - whether geographical or empty inside. Pronunciation
[HOL-ur]
Meaning & Usage
- Secluded valley (noun)
Elmer:
They live way back in the holler.
They live way back in the holler.
Estel:
- To yell or call out loudly (verb)
Elmer:
Estel:
Won’t have to holler twice.
Won’t have to holler twice.- To contact or check in (verb, informal)
Elmer:
I’ll holler at you later about fishin’.
I’ll holler at you later about fishin’.
Estel:
★ If someone says they’ll "be over in the holler," expect a bit of a drive - or a long walk uphill. ★
Origin
From the word "hollow," meaning a small valley, adapted in regional speech to "holler." The yelling sense likely comes from calling across distances in such terrain, and the "contact me later" sense developed metaphorically from the act of calling out.
Notes
"Holler" for "valley" is mostly heard in rural Appalachia and the South. The "yell" sense is widespread, and the "contact me" sense is common in modern casual speech - often mixed in with other regionalisms.