Polecat

In Appalachian and Southern speech, polecat means skunk - the regional name for the animal known for its strong odor. The term is also used figuratively for someone considered sneaky or unpleasant (ie Pepé Le Pew).

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk

synonyms: skunk

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Dad ONLY calls skunks polecats. Never heard him use a different term. We use both in our family.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

My Dad ONLY calls skunks polecats. Never heard him use a different term. We use both in our family.

Pronunciation

[POHL-kat]
/ˈpoʊl.kæt/

Meaning & Usage

- Skunk (noun)

Elmer:

Best not mess with that polecat under the porch.

Estel:

I know better - I like breathin’ fresh air.

- Unpleasant or sneaky person (noun, figurative)

Elmer:

That feller shorted me two dollars.

Estel:

Dern polecat. Don’t trust him far as you can throw him.

variations: pole cat, pole-cat

★ If your dog tangles with a polecat, don’t reach for tomato juice - a peroxide and baking soda rinse works far better to cut the smell. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Polecat" entered American English through early European settlers, who used the term for weasel-like animals in Britain. When they encountered skunks in North America, the name carried over. The term became especially rooted in Appalachian and Southern speech from the 1700s onward.

Usage Notes

"Polecat" remains common in rural Appalachian and Southern communities, though "skunk" is dominant elsewhere. The figurative sense extends naturally from the animal’s notorious smell and reputation for mischief.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is a polecat the same thing as a skunk?

In the U.S., yes - "polecat" is a regional term for skunk, especially in the South and Appalachia.

Do people still say "polecat"?

Yes, particularly in rural areas and among older generations.

Is "polecat" ever literal (like an actual cat)?

No. It refers to skunks in the U.S. and to a small weasel-like animal in Europe.

Why use "polecat" instead of "skunk"?

It’s simply the traditional regional name, carried forward through generations.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 19). Polecat. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Polecat." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Polecat." HillbillySlang.com. November 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/polecat/.