The Hick Dictionary: 20 Country Slang Words City Folks Just Don’t Get

November 12, 2025

Ever found yourself scratching your head at some good ol’ country slang? City folks often hear Southern sayings or "hick talk" and feel like they've stumbled into a whole different language. Well, bless your heart – Hick Brand Clothing is here to help! We’ve put together a tongue-in-cheek rural dictionary of 20 down-home terms and phrases commonly heard in the country lifestyle lingo. This playful glossary will decode the phrases, celebrate small-town pride, and give you a taste of that backroad lifestyle. Whether you’re a country boy, country girl, or just a curious city-slicker wanting to understand your rural friends, this Hick Dictionary has y’all covered.

20 Country Slang Words and What They Really Mean

Y’all: The quintessential Southern pronoun meaning “you all.” This is how country folks address a group (and sometimes even one person if we’re feeling friendly). Example: “Y’all are invited to the barbecue,” meaning every one of you is welcome – yes, even you city folks!
Fixin’ to: No tools required here – “fixin’ to” means about to do something. When a hick says “I’m fixin’ to go to the store,” they’re not repairing anything; they’re just getting ready to head out. In other words, it’s happening real soon.
Reckon: A classic country way to say “suppose” or “think.” It’s basically the rural version of “I guess.” Example: “I reckon it’s gonna rain,” which sounds a bit more down-home than “I think it might rain” – especially if said under a cowboy hat.
Yonder: A handy directional term meaning “over there, at some distance.” If a local says “The creek is over yonder past the oak tree,” just follow where their finger points. It could be near or far, but it sure ain’t here.
Britches: Simply put, “britches” are pants or trousers. If Grandpa warns “Don’t get too big for your britches,” he’s telling you not to get overly confident (or you might just get a whoopin’!). And if Mama says “Pull your britches up,” you’d best find a belt pronto.
Hankerin’: A strong desire or craving for something. When country folks have a hankerin’ for pie, nothing else will do. Example: “I’ve got a hankerin’ for some sweet tea and peach cobbler.” It means I really want it – diet be darned.
Cattywampus: This funny-sounding word means crooked, off-balance, or askew. If you hang a picture on the wall all cattywampus, it’s not quite straight (and it’s probably driving your OCD friend crazy). It’s basically Southern for “all messed up and sideways,” and it’s just fun to say.
Bless your heart: A legendary Southern saying that sounds sweet but often isn’t. In polite country conversation, “bless your heart” is a gentle way of saying “aww, you poor thing” – sometimes with a hint of sass. Example: If you tell a country grandma you tried to wash your cell phone in the laundry, she might sigh and say, “Well, bless your heart.” (Translation: “you’re a bit clueless, aren’t you?” said with love, of course.)
Madder than a wet hen: Furious; very angry. Ever tried giving a hen a bath? They don’t appreciate it. So if someone is madder than a wet hen, they are absolutely livid. Example: “Dad was madder than a wet hen when I dented his truck.” (Lots of squawking, figuratively speaking.)
All hat and no cattle: This colorful Texas phrase means all talk, no action. It’s used to call out a pretender – like a cowboy sporting a big fancy hat but who doesn’t actually own any cows. In other words, that person is all show and no substance. All swagger, no moo.
That dog won’t hunt: A folksy way of saying “that idea won’t work.” If a country friend shakes his head and says, “Nice try, but that dog won’t hunt,” he means your plan is probably a flop. Example: “You think you can outrun the sheriff? That dog won’t hunt.”
Give me some sugar: Don’t reach for the sugar bowl – this means “give me a kiss.” It’s a sweet request for some lovin’, usually from a relative or sweetheart. When Grandma says “Come here and give me some sugar, honey,” pucker up and prepare for a big smooch (most likely on the cheek, with lipstick marks as a bonus).
If the creek don’t rise: This phrase tacked onto plans means “as long as nothing beyond our control stops us.” It’s short for “Lord willing and if the creek don’t rise.” Example: “We’ll see y’all at the picnic Saturday, if the creek don’t rise.” In plain speak: We’ll be there unless something crazy (like a flood) happens.
Hootenanny: A big, joyful gathering or party, often with music involved. A hootenanny is like a folk music jam meets country shindig – guitars, fiddles, dancing and maybe a yeehaw or two. “They’re having a hootenanny down at the barn tonight” means bring your banjo and your dancing boots for a rip-roarin’ good time.
Gussied up: To get dressed up fancy, maybe a bit more than usual. If someone is “all gussied up,” they’re wearing their shiny boots and best clothes, looking ready for the county fair or a night out. Example: “She got gussied up in her Sunday best for the rodeo – lipstick, curls, and her sparkly belt buckle.”
Holler: In the country, holler has a double meaning. As a verb, it means to yell or call out loudly. (“Just holler if you need anything!” means shout for me and I’ll come runnin’.) As a noun, a “holler” (dialect for hollow) is a remote valley or backwoods area. So if Jed says he lives “down in the holler,” he means a little valley out yonder. Either way, it’s a loud word from deep in the hills.
Might could: A classic bit of hick talk using double modals. “Might could” translates to “might be able to” or “maybe I can.” It softens a statement in true Southern politeness. Example: “I might could help you move that couch tomorrow, if my back’s feelin’ okay.” (Why use one word when two will do? It’s just how we talk, y’all.)
Ornery: Pronounced “awn-ree.” This word means stubborn, cantankerous, or playfully grouchy. If Grandpa is refusing to take his medicine and teasing Grandma just to get a rise, he’s being ornery. It’s often used affectionately: “That ornery old goat will never change, but we love him.”
Frog strangler: No frogs are harmed, we promise. A frog strangler is what country folk call an extremely heavy downpour of rain. Imagine rain so hard it could (jokingly) drown a frog – that’s a real gulley-washer. City folks might say “torrential rain,” but in the sticks we say “It’s a frog strangler out there, grab your umbrella!” (Or better yet, stay on the porch until it passes.)
Full as a tick: Completely full (usually after eating way too much). If someone says “I’m full as a tick,” picture a tick that’s swelled up after feasting – that’s how stuffed they feel. Example: “Thanksgiving dinner had me full as a tick. I couldn’t eat another bite if I tried.” It’s a gross-but-great way to describe a food coma in the country.

Join the Hick Tribe

Now that you’re fluent in country slang, why not wear that small-town pride on your sleeve? At Hick Brand Clothing, we’re “Rural by Birth” and proud of it – and we’ve got the gear to prove it. We live for the backroad lifestyle, from bonfire nights to front porch days, and our apparel lets you share that spirit with the world.

So what are y’all waiting for? Head on over to Hickwear.com to shop Hick Brand Clothing and join our Hick tribe today. Embrace the charm, the grit, and the humor of the country lifestyle – and wear it loud and proud. Yeehaw and welcome to the family!

Join the Movement

The Hick lifestyle isn’t about where you’re from — it’s about what you’re made of. So gear up, head out, and wear your pride.

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Because out here, being a Hick ain’t an insult — it’s a compliment.

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