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Jasper Play audio

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."

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #OldTimers   #Southern

Pronunciation

[JAS-per]

Meaning & Usage

- A man or fellow, often unknown or a stranger (dialect noun)

Talking about an unexpected visitor
Mae:
Who was that at the gate?

Earl:
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

Play audio Said plain: "jasper." Often in phrases like "some old jasper" or "that jasper over yonder."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "jasper" mean anything bad?
Not really - it’s mild and humorous, like saying "some guy" or "some fella."
Is it still used today?
Yes, though mainly among older speakers or in nostalgic/folksy speech.
Is it uniquely Southern?
Strongest in Southern/Appalachian and Ozark speech; rare elsewhere.

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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