Kin

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "kin" means family or relatives - blood relations or people tied together by closeness and loyalty.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: family, relatives

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Kin' is still in use plenty, but probly more with old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Kin' is still in use plenty, but probly more with old timers.

Pronunciation

[KIN]
/kɪn/

Meaning & Usage

- Family / Relatives (noun)

Earl:

Them folks over yonder?

Mae:

Yep, that’s my kin from down in Lee County.

Ruby:

We ain’t blood, but you’re kin to me all the same.

variations: kinfolk, kinsfolk, my kin

★ If somebody calls you their kin, that’s a step above friendship - it means they claim you as family, whether or not you share a drop of blood. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Kin" comes from Old English cynn, meaning family, lineage, or kind. Scots-Irish settlers brought the word into the Appalachian Mountains, where it remained strong in everyday life. Although once common across the English-speaking world, Appalachia and the broader South preserved it long after other regions moved to "family" and "relatives."

Usage Notes

"Kin" carries both genealogical and emotional meaning. It can refer to distant relations at a reunion or the closest circle you trust. In mountain speech, it can also mean chosen family - folks you treat as yours without needing blood ties.

Common in Appalachian and rural Southern English.
Often used when discussing heritage, family lines, or reunions.
Still appears in phrases like "my kin" or "all my kinfolk."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "kin" just another word for "family"?

Nearly - but "kin" usually emphasizes blood ties, heritage, or deep personal connection.

What’s the difference between "kinfolk" and "kin"?

"Kinfolk" is the extended group - cousins, aunts, uncles - while "kin" can mean any relatives close or distant.

Do people still say "kin"?

Very much so in Appalachia and the South, especially among older generations.

Can "kin" refer to close friends?

Yes - when someone says "you’re kin to me," they’re using it to mean chosen family.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 17). Kin. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/kin
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Kin." HillbillySlang.com, 17 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/kin.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Kin." HillbillySlang.com. November 17, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/kin.

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