Pump Knot

In Appalachian speech, a "pump knot" is a raised bump or swelling, usually from getting hit hard on the head.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: goose egg

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'pump knot' all my life, and still do.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'pump knot' all my life, and still do.

Pronunciation

[PUMP-not]

Meaning & Usage

- Raised bump from an injury (noun)

Elmer:

An' I reckon somebody'll leave here with a pump knot on their head.

Estel:

Hope it ain’t me.

variations: pump-knot, pumpknot

★ If you hear someone threaten a "pump knot," they probably mean business - and you might want to step back. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely comes from the resemblance of a swelling to the rounded knobs on an old-fashioned water pump handle. The term "knot" for a lump or bump dates back centuries in English.

Usage Notes

"Pump knot" is most often used in playful or exaggerated threats, but it can describe any noticeable swelling on the head. "Goose egg" is a similar term used elsewhere.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is a "pump knot" dangerous?

Usually it’s just a bruise and swelling, though any hard head injury should be checked out.

Does "pump knot" mean the same as "goose egg"?

Yes - both describe a raised bump on the head.

Is "pump knot" still common?

It’s heard less often among younger speakers, but still shows up in rural speech and storytelling.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 16). Pump Knot. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/pump-knot/
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Pump Knot." HillbillySlang.com, 16 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/pump-knot/.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Pump Knot." HillbillySlang.com. September 16, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/pump-knot/.