Junkin’ (Junking)

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.

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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)

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

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.

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.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "junkin’" the same as thrifting?

Pretty close, though "junkin’" leans more country and casual.

Do folks outside the South say it?

Not often - "thrifting" is more common outside the South.

Is "junkin’" still popular today?

Yes - flea markets, junk shops, and yard sales keep the word alive.