In Southern and Appalachian speech, "junkin’" (sometimes written "junking") means going out to hunt through flea markets, yard sales, junk shops, or auctions, usually for bargains or hidden treasures.
You'll hear thriftin' called 'junkin’' out in the country.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear thriftin' called 'junkin’' out in the country.
Pronunciation
[JUNK-in]
Meaning & Usage
- Looking through junk for bargains (verb, dialect)
On Saturday morning
Mae:
Where y’all headed?
Earl:
Out junkin’ - never know what you’ll find.
variations: thrifting, yard sale-ing, flea marketing, we was junkin’ at the flea market, went junkin’ and found a pie safe, junkin’ through the old barn
★ "Junkin’" is about the fun of the hunt as much as the find. Even if you don’t buy a thing, you still get a story. ★
Origin and Etymology
From the English word "junk," meaning old or discarded items. In Southern and Appalachian speech, "junkin’" grew into a verb for the pastime of searching for bargains at yard sales, flea markets, and junk shops.
Usage Notes
Common in Southern and Appalachian country talk, especially with families and older folks. Elsewhere in the U.S., people may say "thrifting" instead, but "junkin’" carries a distinct rural flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "junk-in." The "g" is dropped, giving it a casual, country sound.
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site 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...
You'll hear thriftin' called 'junkin’' out in the country.