Meanness
In Appalachian and Southern mountain speech, "Meanness" (often pronounced mean-us) is an affectionate nickname or term of address for a child or young person. It can also describe lighthearted mischief or playful troublemaking.
synonyms: young’un, child, rascal, kid, trouble, mischief
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Growin' up - and even as a grown up - 'here comes Meanness' is a common term of endearment. Pronunciation
[MEAN-us] /ˈmiː.nəs/
also /ˈmiː.nɪs/, /ˈmiːn.nəs/
Meaning & Usage
- Term of address for a child or young person
Grandma:
What’re you doin’, Meanness?
What’re you doin’, Meanness?
Narrator:
Tryin’ to catch lightnin’ bugs.
Tryin’ to catch lightnin’ bugs.- Playful mischief; harmless troublemaking
Mama:
Them young’uns been up to meanness again.
Them young’uns been up to meanness again.
Daddy:
You can see it in their grins.
You can see it in their grins.variations: meanus, mean-is, mean-ness
Origin and Etymology
From "mean," which in Appalachian and Southern English can mean spirited or lively rather than cruel. "Meanness" extended to describe both youthful high spirits and, by the mid-20th century, became an affectionate way to address any child. Spoken quickly, the ending "-ness" softens to "-us," producing the familiar sound mean-us.
Usage Notes
Still heard in parts of Appalachia and the rural South, especially among older speakers. Tone is warm, teasing, and familiar-never harsh.
- "Come here, Meanness." → child being addressed.
- "He’s full of meanness today." → playful energy.
- "What’re you up to, Meanness?" → affectionate greeting.