bottom land
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "bottom land" (or bottomland) means the flat, fertile ground along a river, creek, or hollow. Known for rich soil from flooding, it was prized for farming.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I can't count how many times my Dad has pointed out 'bottom land.' I do the same thing. Pronunciation
[BAH-dum land]
Welcome New Folks!
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
- Flat, fertile land by a river or creek (noun)
Mae:
Where you plantin’ beans?
Where you plantin’ beans?
Earl:
Down in the bottom land - soil’s good and black.
Down in the bottom land - soil’s good and black.- Low-lying land that often floods (noun)
Mae:
That house floods every spring.
That house floods every spring.
Earl:
It’s settin’ in the bottom land.
It’s settin’ in the bottom land.other spellings: bottomland, river bottom, low ground, rich land, the bottoms, bottom fields, and lowlands
★ Bottom land was some of the best farmland in Appalachia and the South - but risky, since floods could wipe out a crop in one night. ★