Tough’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "tough’un" means "tough one."
It’s used for someone strong, resilient, or able to handle hard times-or for something difficult to face.
synonyms: strong one, fighter, tough person, hard one
Hillbilly Dude Says...
My neighbor was a 'tough’un' on the football field - my Dad always he we like like a piece of iron. Hillbilly Dude Says...
My neighbor was a 'tough’un' on the football field - my Dad always he we like like a piece of iron. Pronunciation
[TUH-fuhn]
/ˈtʌf.ən/
/ˈtʌf.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Someone strong, determined, or able to endure hardship
Mae:
He’s been through it, but he don’t quit.
He’s been through it, but he don’t quit.
Earl:
Yeah, he’s a tough’un.
Yeah, he’s a tough’un.- Something difficult or unpleasant
Roy:
Broke my hand haulin’ hay.
Broke my hand haulin’ hay.
Jack:
That’s a tough’un.
That’s a tough’un.variations: tough one, toughun, tough ’un
Origin and Etymology
A contraction of "tough one," following the same speech pattern seen in "good’un," "bad’un," and "mean’un." It reflects older English dialect forms where "one" was clipped to "’un." The phrase has long roots in Southern and Appalachian storytelling, where toughness is both necessity and compliment.
Usage Notes
"Tough’un" can describe a hardworking person, a rough experience, or even a stubborn animal.
Usually said with admiration for grit or endurance.
- "She’s a tough’un, raised six kids by herself." → strong and resilient.
- "That was a tough’un of a winter." → difficult or harsh season.
- "He’s a tough’un to bargain with." → stubborn or determined.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 6). Tough’un. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/toughun
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Tough’un." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/toughun.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Tough’un." HillbillySlang.com. October 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/toughun.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...