hurdies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (archaic/dialectal)Dialectal (Scots/Northern English), Informal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “hurdies” mean?
The buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The buttocks; the backside.
Primarily a Scots and Northern English term referring to the posterior. It can be used both literally and in a colloquial, sometimes slightly humorous, fashion. It is often encountered in the idiomatic expression "to ding one's hurdies" (to fall on one's backside).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is essentially unknown in modern American English. Its use in British English is highly regional and archaic. An American equivalent would be 'butt' or 'rear end'.
Connotations
In its regional context, it can be neutral, descriptive, or mildly humorous. Outside its region, it sounds archaic, quaint, or deliberately folksy.
Frequency
Effectively zero in American English. Very rare even in British English, surviving mainly in traditional Scots language, literature, and fixed expressions.
Grammar
How to Use “hurdies” in a Sentence
VERB + one's hurdies (e.g., land on, warm, hurt)ADJECTIVE + hurdies (e.g., frozen, bony)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies of Scots dialect.
Everyday
Only in specific regional dialects of Scotland/Northern England, and even there it is old-fashioned.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hurdies”
- Using it as a singular (e.g., 'a hurdies' - incorrect).
- Using it in formal/international contexts.
- Misspelling as 'hurdees' or 'hurdys'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare, archaic, and dialectal. It is primarily associated with Scots and Northern English usage.
No, it is a plural noun (like 'trousers' or 'scissors') that refers to a single body part. You would not say 'a hurdies'.
"To ding one's hurdies," meaning to fall down onto one's backside.
No. It is a word for recognition only, useful for understanding older Scots literature or regional dialect. Using it actively would sound very odd in most contexts.
The buttocks.
Hurdies is usually dialectal (scots/northern english), informal, archaic in register.
Hurdies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɜːrdiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɜːrdiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ding your hurdies (to fall on your backside)”
- “toast your hurdies (to warm yourself by a fire)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HURDLES in a race—if you trip over one, you might land painfully on your HURDIES.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A SEAT (e.g., "Take a seat on your hurdies").
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hurdies' most likely be understood?