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.

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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.

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?

Narrator:

Tryin’ to catch lightnin’ bugs.

- Playful mischief; harmless troublemaking

Mama:

Them young’uns been up to meanness again.

Daddy:

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.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "Meanness" mean someone’s mean?

Not here. It’s a friendly nickname for a kid or young person.

Why is it pronounced "mean-us"?

In quick Southern speech, the final "-ness" reduces to "-us."

Is it still used today?

Yes, mainly among older generations and in small Appalachian or Southern communities where family talk keeps the old forms alive.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 8). Meanness. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meanness
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Meanness." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meanness.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Meanness." HillbillySlang.com. October 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/meanness.