heathern
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "heathern" is a colorful variant of "heathen." It’s often used to scold rowdy kids or call someone uncivilized or wild.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Pronunciation
[HEE-thurn]
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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.
Meaning & Usage
- Rowdy or uncivilized person (noun)
Mae:
Sit still, you little heathern!
Teacher:
Don’t let me have to call your mama.
- Playful insult (noun)
Mae:
You heatherns done ate all the biscuits before I sat down.
other spellings: heathen, heathern, heatherns, wild child, uncivilized, and rowdy
★ "Heathern" usually isn’t meant literally. It’s a mountain way of fussing at kids, friends, or kinfolk for acting wild or unrefined. ★