Young’un

In Appalachian speech, "young’un" means a child, usually your own, but often the kid of somebody you know. It’s a clipped form of "young one," said fast and plain.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: kid, child, children, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I do say 'young'uns' sometimes, but you'd hear this more from old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I do say 'young'uns' sometimes, but you'd hear this more from old timers.

Pronunciation

[YUNG-uhn]
/ˈjʌŋ.ən/

Meaning & Usage

- A child (noun)

Mae:

That young’un of mine never sits still.

Earl:

Won't you git him t'go chase 'at polecat?.

- Affectionate reference (noun)

Ruby:

You bringin’ the young’uns to the singin’ tonight?

Estel:

'Em heatherns? They learned to whisper in a sawmill.

variations: young one, youngin, young ’un

★ "Young’un" can sound rough on the ear, but it’s usually said with affection. It’s how mountain folks talk about children without fussin’ with fancy words. ★

Origin and Etymology

A contraction of "young one," with the final syllable reduced to "’un." Common in Scots-Irish dialects that influenced Appalachian speech, and kept alive in oral tradition.

Usage Notes

"Young’un" is one of the most recognizable Appalachian terms, often used by grandparents and parents. The plural "young’uns" is equally common when talking about a brood of kids. Writers sometimes use it to flavor stories with regional authenticity.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say it quick: "YUNG-uhn." The "one" gets swallowed into "’un," turning "young one" into "young’un."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "young’un" proper English?

It’s not formal, but it’s well-established in Appalachian and Southern speech.

Do people still use it?

Yes, especially in rural areas and family settings.

What’s the plural of "young’un"?

"Young’uns." Example: "She’s got three young’uns runnin’ the yard."

Where does it come from?

From "young one," shortened in quick speech and carried down from Scots-Irish influence.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 19). Young’un. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/youngun
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Young’un." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/youngun.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Young’un." HillbillySlang.com. September 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/youngun.