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."
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.other spellings: fellow, man, stranger, and 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
Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English and Appalachian dialect collections. Likely derived from the common given name "Jasper," generalized to mean "fellow" or "outsider," much like "Jack" or "Joe."
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."