sticker burr
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "sticker burr" is the prickly seed head of plants like cockleburs or sandburs that cling to socks, pants, or a dog’s fur. It combines "sticker" (something sharp) with "burr" (a clinging seed).
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We usually shorten it from 'sticker burrs' to just 'burrs' around here. Pronunciation
[STIK-ur bur]
Meaning & Usage
- A burr that sticks to clothes or fur (noun)
Mae:
These woods is full of sticker burrs - I got a dozen on my socks.
These woods is full of sticker burrs - I got a dozen on my socks.
Earl:
Better pluck ’em off before you sit in the truck.
Better pluck ’em off before you sit in the truck.other spellings: burr, cocklebur, sandbur, burdock, hitchhiker, ``pricker ball``, and ``beggar’s lice`` (related)
★ "Sticker burr" is a country double-up: "sticker" for what scratches, "burr" for what clings. Together it marks those little hitchhikers every Southern kid’s battled. ★
Origin
From the fusion of "sticker" (something sharp or prickly) and "burr" (a clinging seed head). Strongly rooted in Southern and Appalachian plain speech.
Notes
Common across Appalachia, the South, and rural America. Often used by kids and parents more than just "burr." Many families treat "sticker burr" and "burr" as interchangeable.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "stik-ur bur." The "r" on burr often softens off.