Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases. - 33 Most Famous Ones! (2024)

Slang words of any region are a fun way to learn more about its culture.

Kentucky is no exception; it has a rich history of language and regional dialects.

There are many Kentucky slang words and phrases to be learned.

Kentucky’s rich history, culture, and dialect make it unique from other states in the US.

So, if you ever find yourself in Kentucky, don’t be surprised to hear some of these words and phrases being used!

Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases

Slang words and phrases of Kentucky are the terms commonly used by Kentucky locals.

They often sound different from Standard American English (SAE) and may even be specific to Kentucky’s culture.

Kentucky is known for its unique culture and dialect.

The state’s slang words and phrases have existed since the 1800s, but many are still used today.

Kentucky has always had a strong regional identity, reflected in the language its citizens speak.

With Kentucky’s rich history and blending of cultures, it’s no wonder Kentucky has many unique slang words and phrases.

These may not be found in other parts of the United States.

33 Famous Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases

Kentucky is known for its unique culture and dialect, many of which can be traced back to the 1800s.

Some common Kentucky slang terms include “buggy” (a car or truck) and “Mississippi mud” (a type of Kentucky moonshine).

Kentucky natives also use the term “sister-in-law” to refer to their mother-in-law.

Kentucky also has its unique phrases, such as “cattywampus” (meaning off-kilter or out of place) and “yonder” (a distant place).

Kentucky is also known for its unique accent.

It can be heard when locals use words like “to-do” (an event) and “awful kind” (very nice).

Kentucky has its special way of speaking, with plenty of Kentucky slang words and phrases unique to the Bluegrass State.

You’ll often hear Kentucky natives using words like “hep,” “fixin’ to,” or “y’all” to express themselves.

Here’s a look at some Kentucky slang words and phrases you might hear while in Kentucky:

1. Yellar:

This slang word means ‘hello’ and is usually used to greet someone.

For example, “Yellar there, how are you?”

It originated from the Appalachian region of Kentucky and is used by many Kentucky natives.

2. Buggy – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

This word usually refers to a shopping cart or a vehicle, such as a car or truck.

For example, “I need to go get some groceries, so I’m gonna take my buggy.”

This phrase came from Kentucky’s rural background and referred to a horse-drawn carriage.

3. Chester Drawers:

This word is Kentucky slang for underwear.

For example, “I need to buy some new Chester drawers before I go on vacation.”

This phrase is likely derived from the term “chest of drawers,” as Kentucky natives often shortened words for ease of speaking.

4. Holler – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

In the parlance of Kentucky, a “holler” signifies a vale or dale, a verdant dip in the earth’s embrace.

Picture this: “Venture forth to yonder holler and gather kindling for our hearth.”

As might be said in those Appalachian hills whence this colloquial gem likely sprang.

5. Fixin’:

This word is Kentucky slang for “preparing.”

For example, “I’m fixin’ to go to the store. Do you want me to pick anything up?”

This phrase is used regularly in Kentucky and has been used for generations.

6. Half-Baked:

This Kentucky slang phrase refers to someone not quite competent at something.

It’s typically used as an insult, such as “That guy is half-baked if he thinks he can get away with that!”

This phrase likely originated in Kentucky’s rural areas, where people often had to make do with limited resources.

7. Y’all:

This Kentucky slang phrase is the plural of the word “you.”

For example, “Y’all want to go get some ice cream?”

This phrase can also refer to a group of people: “Y’all have been working hard on this project.”

Kentucky natives typically use this phrase without even thinking about it.

8. Git:

This Kentucky slang phrase is another way of saying “get.”

For example, someone might say, “Git out of my way” or “Git me a drink.”

This phrase is commonly used in Kentucky and neighboring states.

9. Dern – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

This colloquial term from Kentucky serves as a quirky substitute for the expletive “damn.”

Illustratively, one might exclaim, “Dern it, I’ve misplaced my keys,” or “Dern, I’ve clumsily stubbed my toe.”

Residents of Kentucky effortlessly weave this expression into their vocabulary, scarcely realizing its peculiar charm.

10. Mud Dauber:

This Kentucky slang word refers to someone who is lazy or slow.

For example, someone might say, “You’re moving like a mud dauber” or “He’s been working on that project forever.

He must be a mud dauber.”

This phrase is often used in Kentucky and neighboring states.

11. Hoot:

This Kentucky slang word is an alternate way to say “come on.”

For example, someone might say, “Hoot now! We need to get going,” or “Hoot, we’re late for dinner.”

Kentucky natives often use this word without even thinking about it.

12. Dreckly:

This Kentucky slang word means “soon” or “eventually.”

For example, someone might say, “I’ll be there dreckly” or “I will finish this task dreckly.”

This phrase is often used in Kentucky and neighboring states.

13. Mash:

This Kentucky slang word is a shortened version of “mashed” and means to hit, kick, or punch something.

It is often used in everyday speech.

For example, someone might say, “I’m gonna mash this door open,” or “He tried to mash me!”

14. Cattywampus:

This Kentucky slang word means “not straight”, “crooked,” or “messy.”

For example, someone might say, “That’s all cattywampus,” to describe something that is not properly aligned.

This word originated in Kentucky and is still commonly used today.

15. Jug – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

This Kentucky slang word means “to go away” or “to leave.”

For example, someone might say, “Let’s jug on out of here,” indicating they are leaving the current location.

This phrase is usually used in informal settings.

16. Fetch:

This Kentucky slang word means “to get” or “to obtain.”

For example, someone might say, “I’m gonna fetch a soda from the store,” to indicate that they will be going to the store to buy a soda.

This phrase is often used in casual conversations.

17. Scuttlebutt:

This Kentucky slang word means “gossip” or “rumor.”

For example, someone might say, “There’s been a lot of scuttlebutt around town lately,” to indicate that there have been rumors circulating in their community.

This phrase is often used humorously.

18. Toad Strangler:

This Kentucky slang phrase means “a heavy rainfall” or “a downpour.”

For example, someone might say, “There was a toad strangler last night,” indicating that it rained heavily the previous night.

This phrase is often used to describe a heavy rainstorm.

19. Poke Salad:

This Kentucky slang phrase means “a bag or package of food.”’

It is typically used to refer to a snack or meal someone brought with them, such as a lunchbox.

For example, someone might say, “I brought my poke salad with me,” indicating that they have brought their food.

20. Chigger – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

This Kentucky slang phrase means “a small bug.”

It typically refers to a mite that feeds on the skin and causes severe itching.

For example, someone might say, “There are chiggers in the grass,” indicating tiny bugs in the area.

21. Biggest Little:

This Kentucky slang phrase means “the largest of something small.”

It is typically used to describe a person or thing that is quite large but still considered relatively small.

For example, someone might say, “He’s the biggest little guy I know,” to indicate that the person is considerably large for their size.

22. Git-er-Done:

This Kentucky slang phrase means “get it done!” It is typically used to encourage someone to complete a task quickly.

For example, one might say “Git-er-done!” to motivate someone to finish a project.

23. Dirt Dobbers:

This Kentucky slang phrase is used to refer to wasps or yellow jackets.

It is derived from these insects building their nests in the ground, making them look like little “dobbers” of dirt.

People in Kentucky use this phrase to refer to the presence of these insects in an area.

24. Big, Un:

This Kentucky slang phrase is used to describe something large and excessive.

For example, one might say, “That’s a big un!” when referring to a large piece of food or object.

This phrase often expresses approval or admiration for something exceptionally large.

25. Clodhopper – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

This Kentucky slang term refers to a person who is clumsy and awkward, often regarding their feet or gait.

It can also be used as an insult directed towards someone who has made a mistake or acted foolishly.

Kentucky folk use this phrase to joke about someone’s clumsiness or lack of grace.

26. Bless Your Heart:

Though this phrase is common in Kentucky and the South, it’s most often used sarcastically.

It can be an expression of politeness or a subtle way to express disapproval or disappointment with someone.

Kentucky folk use “bless your heart” to mask their true feelings while conveying some form of criticism.

27. Chilly Bins:

Kentucky folk refers to coolers as “chilly bins”.

If you hear Kentucky folk talking about a “chilly bin,” they’re referring to a cooler that holds ice and beverages.

Large chilly bins are popular at Kentucky tailgates and picnics.

Whether bringing one to a Kentucky Derby party or out on the lake, Kentucky folk don’t leave home without their chilly bin.

28. New Shoes:

Kentucky folk refer to any vehicle as “new shoes.”

So, if you hear someone talking about their new shoes, don’t be too surprised!

It originated in Kentucky and is now used in many other states.

29. Bubblegum:

In Kentucky, when someone talks about “bubblegum,” they usually mean beer.

The term originated from Kentucky moonshine days when folks would add bubblegum to their concoctions to make them more palatable.

So the next time you hear Kentucky folk talking about bubblegum, you know what they mean!

30. Discombobulated:

This Kentucky slang word is used to describe someone who’s feeling confused or out of sorts.

It likely comes from the term “discombobulate,” which was first recorded in the late 1800s and means to confuse or perplex.

31. Crick – Kentucky Slang Words And Phrases:

Another Kentucky slang word for a creek or stream is “crick.”

It originates from the Midland dialect of English, which Kentucky shares with other areas in the U.S. In Kentucky.

It’s pronounced “crah-ick” and often refers to small creeks or streams.

32. Hep:

To be in the know or “up to speed.”

For example, “What time is it? I need to be hep on that information.”

This word originated in Kentucky in the late 1800s.

33. Buggy:

Kentucky has a unique word for shopping carts — “buggy.”

It’s most likely derived from the “buggy whip,” once a popular item in Kentucky.

This term caught on in the Bluegrass State and is still used by many Kentucky residents today.

Final Thoughts:

Kentucky has its unique culture and language.

Learning the Kentucky slang words and phrases is a great way to know it better.

With its distinctive accent and special words, Kentucky natives can communicate with each other.

This is done using these fun and interesting Kentucky slang words and phrases!

So you know, the next time you hear a Kentucky native talking about something being “cattywampus,” you will know exactly what they mean!

So start using Kentucky slang words and phrases in your everyday conversations!

Who knows? Maybe soon enough, Kentucky slang will be a part of your vocabulary!