hillbilly

[ hil-bil-ee ]
/ ˈhɪlˌbɪl i /
Often Disparaging and Offensive.

noun, plural hill·bil·lies.

a term used to refer to a person from a backwoods or other remote area, especially from the mountains of the southern U.S. (sometimes used facetiously).

adjective

of, like, or relating to hillbillies: hillbilly humor.

Origin of hillbilly

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; hill + Billy

usage note for hillbilly

Hillbilly is often used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting, implying that a person who lives far away from a town or city lacks culture or education. However, this term is also used in a humorous way without intent to offend, and it is sometimes a positive term of self-reference.

British Dictionary definitions for hillbilly

hillbilly
/ (ˈhɪlˌbɪlɪ) /

noun plural -lies

usually derogatory an unsophisticated person, esp from the mountainous areas in the southeastern US
another name for country and western

Word Origin for hillbilly

C20: from hill + Billy (the nickname)