June Bug
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "june bug" is a chunky brown beetle that shows up in summer - often swarming porch lights. It’s also used as a pet name for kids.
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #Nature
Welcome! Southern sayings, stories, and accents you can hear.
As a lifetime lover of languange, dialect and cultural differences, I created this site to help catalog and document true, historial Southern and Appalchian slang and proverbs, along with sayings, expressions and idioms. Most of these cataloged will include a personal anecdote of my own experience with these words and phrases. Pronunciations are also included for those interested, along with a guide dedicated to my own flavor of Southern accent. And just for giggles, you might find some real-life tales from the hills, along with some unsolicited commentary.
I hope you enjoy!
Where to Start?
Proverbs from Appalachia & the South
These proverbs are what many of us heard growin' up - especially from Granny and Papaw.
Southern Sayings & Expressions
Less life lessions, these are more sprinkled into everday conversations. Think 'bless your heart,' 'scat there, tom, you're tail's in the gravy,' or 'slicker'n snot on a door knob.'
Southern Slang
A glossary is what you'll find here - covering critters like polecat, lightin' bug, and fairy diddle - or food you may not have tried like soup beans, dry land fish, or vinegar pie.
Southern Accent Guide
If you're curious about how we talk - or even an actor lookin' to practice the word 'oil' a little for an upcoming performance - you'll find common words, recorded audio examples, as well as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to help guide you.
Hillbilly Dude Says
You'll find real stories, insights, and commentary, straight from an actual, real-life hillbilly. Like the time my buddy Fancy Boy got hoodoo'd in an alley we shouldn't have been in.
Example Accents
Most Popular
About
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...Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home