Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

bust ▶
◀ bum

burr

In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "burr" is the spiny seed head of certain plants - cockleburs, sandburs, burdock - that cling to clothes, pets, or anything that brushes by. They’re the country kid’s enemy, always hitchin’ a ride home from the woods.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...
Those 'burrs' will cover your socks, that's for sure. It's all I've ever known 'em to be called. 

Pronunciation

[BUR]

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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.

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Meaning & Usage

- A spiny seed that clings to clothes or fur (noun)

Mae:
These woods is full of burrs - I got a dozen on my britches.
Earl:
Better pick ’em off before you sit on the couch.
other spellings: cocklebur, sandbur, burdock, sticker burr, hitchhiker, pricker ball, and beggar’s lice (related plant)
★ A burr doesn’t poke like a thorn - it latches on with tiny hooks. That’s why they stick so tight to socks, shoelaces, or a dog’s fur. Velcro was even inspired by burrs. ★

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