Possum
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "possum" is the everyday word for the opossum - a scruffy marsupial known for sneakin’ into henhouses and grinnin’ with a mouth full of teeth.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I didn't know 'possum' had a 'o' on the front of it 'til I was full grown. That 'o' is silent pretty much universally around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I didn't know 'possum' had a 'o' on the front of it 'til I was full grown. That 'o' is silent pretty much universally around here. Pronunciation
[PAH-sum] or [POSS-um]
Meaning & Usage
- A marsupial found in North America (noun)
Mae:
Somethin’s been at the henhouse.
Somethin’s been at the henhouse.
Earl:
Just a possum nosin’ around.
Just a possum nosin’ around.variations: opossum, critter, varmint, roadkill, grinnin’ possum (showing all teeth)
★ Possums are famous for their defense trick of keelin’ over and lookin’ dead - which gave rise to the saying "playin’ possum." ★
Origin and Etymology
From the Powhatan word *apasum* (white animal). English settlers shortened "opossum" to "possum," and the clipped form stuck, especially in the South and Appalachia.
Usage Notes
The clipped form "possum" is heard everywhere in the U.S., but it’s especially common in Appalachian and Southern speech. In Australia, "possum" refers to a different animal altogether.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "pah-sum" or "poss-um," never with the "o-."