Jar Fly

In Southern and Appalachian speech, a "jar fly" (or "jarfly") is another name for the cicada - the loud insect whose buzzing fills the air in late summer.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #Nature #Southern

synonyms: cicada

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I think 'jar fly' may be a little more regional 'cause I don't rightly remember hearin' it growin' up.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I think 'jar fly' may be a little more regional 'cause I don't rightly remember hearin' it growin' up.

Pronunciation

[JAR-fly]
/ˈʤɑɹ.flaɪ/

Meaning & Usage

- Cicada (noun)

Mamaw:

You hear them jar flies hollerin’?

Grandson:

Reckon that means school’s fixin’ to start.

variations: jarfly

Origin and Etymology

The term comes from the old verb "jar," meaning to buzz or vibrate harshly. "Jar fly" describes the sound cicadas make in summer trees. It’s been used throughout the Southern U.S. and Appalachia since at least the 1800s.

Usage Notes

Common across the South and Appalachia, especially in rural areas. Still widely understood, though younger speakers may use "cicada" instead. The arrival of jar flies often marks the change from midsummer to late summer in folk tradition.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What’s a "jar fly"?

It’s a cicada - the noisy summer insect that buzzes in trees.

Why are they called "jar flies"?

The name comes from their jarring, vibrating sound.

Where is "jar fly" used?

Across much of the Southern U.S. and Appalachian Mountains, especially in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and the Carolinas.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 4). Jar Fly. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jar-fly
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Jar Fly." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jar-fly.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Jar Fly." HillbillySlang.com. October 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jar-fly.

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