Dice
 
 
 
 
 
synonyms: afraid, scared
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you're out in the country, you'll hear 'skeered' or "skeert' for sure. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If you're out in the country, you'll hear 'skeered' or "skeert' for sure. 

Pronunciation

[SKEERD] /skɪrd/

Meaning & Usage

- Afraid or scared (adjective)

June:
You going in that dark barn?
Caleb:
No way - I’m skeered of bats.
★ "Skeered" is the shorter, more widespread Southern/Appalachian form of "askeered," both meaning "scared." The "a-" prefix dropped over time, leaving "skeered" as the go-to everyday version. See also: Askeered. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older English dialect forms blending "a-" + "scared," common in Scots-Irish and rural British speech. "Skeered" emerged as a simplified pronunciation carried into Appalachian and Southern speech.

Usage Notes

Still widely heard in Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it’s recognized as a folksy or humorous pronunciation but instantly understood as "scared."

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "skeered" - often runs together with the "r" lightly rolled or softened, especially in rural speech.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "skeered" wrong?
In standard English yes, but in dialect it’s authentic with deep historical roots.
How does it relate to "askeered"?
"Askeered" is the older, longer form; "skeered" is the shorter, everyday form. Both mean "scared."
Is it still used today?
Yes - especially among older speakers, in humorous writing, or in self-aware rural speech.

How to Cite This Page

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 22). Skeered / Skeert. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/skeered
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    The Hillbilly Dude. "Skeered / Skeert." HillbillySlang.com. September 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/skeered.
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