In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Papaw" is a common word for grandfather. It’s also used playfully to tease someone acting old before their time - like going to bed early or moving slow.
I didn't know 'Papaw' was hillbilly 'til I was all growed up.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I didn't know 'Papaw' was hillbilly 'til I was all growed up.
Pronunciation
[PAH-paw] or [PAP-aw] (varies by family)
Meaning & Usage
- A grandfather (noun, kinship term)
Family talk
Mae:
Who’s that sittin’ on the porch?
Earl:
That’s my Papaw.
- A playful tease for someone acting old (noun, figurative use)
Friends joking
Mae:
I’m headin’ to bed.
Earl:
What? It’s only 8 o’clock, Papaw.
variations: Pawpaw, Pappaw
★ Don’t be surprised if younger folks get called "Papaw" as a joke. The word carries both respect for elders and lighthearted ribbing. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English and Scots-Irish forms of "Papa" and "Pa." In Appalachia and the South, it blended with "paw" to form "Papaw," which became one of the most common grandfather names. The teasing sense grew naturally as families and friends used "Papaw" to rib anyone acting elderly.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Outside the region, "Papaw" may confuse folks since it’s also the name of a fruit tree, but in the hills it almost always means grandfather - unless it’s a playful jab at someone acting like one.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "Pap-aw" or "Paw-paw." Stress falls on the first syllable.
Both are used, sometimes even within the same family.
Why call someone "Papaw" if they’re young?
As a joke - it teases them for acting like an old man (early bedtime, complaining about aches, moving slow).
Do other regions use Papaw?
It’s strongest in the South and Appalachia, but you’ll hear it anywhere folks with roots in those regions live.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 25). Papaw. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/papaw
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Papaw." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/papaw.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Papaw." HillbillySlang.com. September 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/papaw.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang 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...
I didn't know 'Papaw' was hillbilly 'til I was all growed up. 
