hicks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, derogatory, slang
Quick answer
What does “hicks” mean?
Plural of 'hick': a derogatory term for people from rural areas, considered unsophisticated or uneducated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Plural of 'hick': a derogatory term for people from rural areas, considered unsophisticated or uneducated.
May refer broadly to those perceived as provincial, narrow-minded, or culturally backward, often in contrast to urban sophistication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English. In British English, terms like 'yokels' or 'country bumpkins' are more frequent equivalents.
Connotations
Both varieties carry strong negative stereotypes about lack of sophistication. In the US, may also imply political or social conservatism.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts in both regions. More likely found in informal speech, satire, or polemical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “hicks” in a Sentence
[verb] + the hicks (e.g., mock, stereotype, dismiss)adjective + hicks (e.g., provincial, rural, unsophisticated)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, except in sociological or cultural studies discussing stereotyping and urban-rural divides.
Everyday
Used informally, but widely recognized as offensive; can cause social friction.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hicks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hicks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hicks”
- Using in formal writing.
- Using without awareness of its offensive strength.
- Assuming it's a neutral demographic term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered derogatory and offensive. Its use risks causing offence and perpetuating negative stereotypes. Neutral terms like 'rural residents' are preferred.
While both are American derogatory terms, 'hicks' emphasizes rural provenance and lack of sophistication. 'Rednecks' is more specific, often implying working-class, white Southern US identity, with stronger connotations of cultural and political conservatism.
Yes, but infrequently (e.g., 'a hick town'). The plural noun 'hicks' is far more common. The adjectival use is equally informal and derogatory.
Understand its meaning and strong negative charge. It is more important for comprehension (e.g., in films or books) than for active use. Avoid using it in your own speech or writing to prevent causing unintended offence.
Plural of 'hick': a derogatory term for people from rural areas, considered unsophisticated or uneducated.
Hicks is usually informal, derogatory, slang in register.
Hicks: in British English it is pronounced /hɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'hicks' as a standalone term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HICKS live out in the STICKS (rhyming slang for rural areas).
Conceptual Metaphor
RURAL IS UNCOUTH / UNSOPHISTICATED
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'hicks' be LEAST appropriate?