corn-cracker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, sometimes pejorative
Quick answer
What does “corn-cracker” mean?
A device for crushing corn or maize kernels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device for crushing corn or maize kernels; historically, a person who processes corn.
A slang term for a poor white person from the rural Southern US, especially from Kentucky; sometimes used as a derogatory term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is virtually unknown and would likely be interpreted literally as a tool for cracking corn. In American English, it has strong regional and cultural connotations, primarily associated with the Southern and Appalachian regions.
Connotations
British: Neutral/obscure. American: Regionally specific, often derogatory when referring to people.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English. Low frequency in American English, mostly confined to historical contexts, regional discourse, or as slang.
Grammar
How to Use “corn-cracker” in a Sentence
[be] a corn-cracker[call someone] a corn-cracker[use] a corn-crackerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corn-cracker” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- He had a certain corn-cracker charm about him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or linguistic studies discussing regional dialects and stereotypes.
Everyday
Rare; potentially offensive if used to describe a person.
Technical
Can refer to the specific agricultural tool in historical or museum contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corn-cracker”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corn-cracker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corn-cracker”
- Using it as a neutral term for any farmer. Confusing it with 'cornbread'. Assuming it is a common or polite term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is mostly found in historical texts, regional discourse, or as dated slang.
It is not recommended. The term is often considered derogatory and regionally specific (Southern US). More neutral terms like 'country dweller' or 'rural resident' are preferable.
Both can be derogatory terms for poor white Southerners. 'Corn-cracker' is more specific, often associated with Kentucky and Appalachia, while 'cracker' is broader.
The tool is largely obsolete. The term might be used in historical reenactments, museums, or by antique collectors.
A device for crushing corn or maize kernels.
Corn-cracker is usually informal, sometimes pejorative in register.
Corn-cracker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːnˌkrækə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔrnˌkrækər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He's] a corn-cracker from way back.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CRACKing CORN kernels with a CRACKer-like tool.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR PERSON (Metonymy): The tool used for a defining activity becomes a label for the person who performs it.
Practice
Quiz
In modern American usage, 'corn-cracker' is most likely to: