Jasper 
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "jasper" is an old-fashioned word for a man, fellow, or stranger - often with a hint of humor or mild dismissal, like saying "some guy."
Jasper
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm pretty sure 'jasper' is regional and mainly old timers. You don't hear this one much nowadays (and I don't remember ever hearin' it). Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm pretty sure 'jasper' is regional and mainly old timers. You don't hear this one much nowadays (and I don't remember ever hearin' it). Pronunciation
[JAS-per]
Meaning & Usage
- A man or fellow, often unknown or a stranger (dialect noun)
Mae:
Who was that at the gate?
Who was that at the gate?
Earl:
Just some jasper lookin’ for the highway.
Just some jasper lookin’ for the highway.variations: fellow, man, stranger, guy
★ "Jasper" as a noun for "man" or "stranger" is authentically Southern/Appalachian and dates back to the 1800s. It signals a rustic or humorous tone, not just a personal name. ★
Origin and Etymology
Found in Appalachian dialect collections, this term likely comes from the common given name "Jasper," generalized to mean "fellow" or "outsider," much like "Jack" or "Joe."
Usage Notes
Still heard among older Southerners and in storytelling. Outside the region it’s rare and usually only recognized as a personal name or gemstone.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "jasper." Often in phrases like "some old jasper" or "that jasper over yonder."
Kin Topics
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Jasper. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jasper
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Jasper." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jasper.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Jasper." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/jasper.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...