Hillbilly vs. Redneck — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
Hillbilly refers to people from rural, mountainous areas in the U.S., especially the Appalachians. Redneck, originally denoting poor white farmers, now broadly stereotypes rural, conservative white Americans.
Difference Between Hillbilly and Redneck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "Hillbilly" originated from the U.S., referring to individuals residing in remote, rural, and mountainous areas, especially those in the Appalachian region. "Redneck", on the other hand, traces its roots to the old South, originally used for white farmers who got sunburned necks from working outdoors. Both terms have evolved, with "Hillbilly" often being used in a more localized context, while "Redneck" has a broader connotation.
Over time, "Hillbilly" became associated with stereotypes of poverty, backwardness, and lack of sophistication. Meanwhile, "Redneck" started to encompass notions of staunch conservatism, resistance to modernity, and sometimes even racial prejudice. Both terms, however, have been reclaimed by some individuals as a badge of honor, symbolizing authenticity and a genuine American identity.
It's important to note that while "Hillbilly" is tied specifically to geography and regional culture, "Redneck" has become more of a cultural designation, not restricted to any particular location. You might find a "Redneck" in Texas just as you might in Alabama, but a "Hillbilly" is often more closely linked to the Appalachian area.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Appalachians
Southern U.S. (white farmers)
Geographic Ties
Strongly tied to mountainous regions
Broadly rural, not location-specific
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Stereotypes
Poverty, backwardness, isolation
Conservatism, resistance to modernity
Cultural Impact
Strong regional identity
Wider cultural designation
Modern Usage
Can be specific or general, often reclaimed
More general, sometimes used with pride
Compare with Definitions
Hillbilly
A resident of a rural, especially mountainous area in the U.S.
She grew up as a Hillbilly in the heart of Appalachia.
Redneck
Someone stereotyped as conservative and resistant to change.
Critics called him a Redneck for opposing the new policy.
Hillbilly
A person deeply rooted in traditional Appalachian ways.
Her Hillbilly background influenced her love for bluegrass music.
Redneck
A working-class white person, especially from the rural South.
He's a proud Redneck from Alabama.
Hillbilly
An individual with pride in their rural, mountain heritage.
She wore the Hillbilly label with pride, showcasing her traditions.
Redneck
A term, sometimes derogatory, implying lack of sophistication.
They wrongly labeled him a Redneck because of his accent.
Hillbilly
A term sometimes used pejoratively for people from rural areas.
They wrongly dismissed him as just another Hillbilly.
Redneck
A rural individual, often associated with rugged lifestyles.
He lived a Redneck lifestyle, hunting and fishing often.
Hillbilly
Someone perceived as unsophisticated due to remote living.
The movie portrayed him as a stereotypical Hillbilly.
Redneck
A person who embraces rural culture and values.
The festival was a gathering of Rednecks celebrating their roots.
Hillbilly
"Hillbilly" is a term (often derogatory) for people who dwell in rural, mountainous areas in the United States, primarily in southern Appalachia and the Ozarks. The term was later used to refer to people from other rural and mountainous areas west of the Mississippi river too, particularly those of the Rocky Mountains and near the Rio Grande.The first known instances of "hillbilly" in print were in The Railroad Trainmen's Journal (vol.
Redneck
Redneck is a derogatory term chiefly, but not exclusively, applied to white Americans perceived to be crass and unsophisticated, closely associated with rural whites of the Southern United States. Its usage is similar in meaning to cracker (especially regarding Texas, Georgia, and Florida), hillbilly (especially regarding Appalachia and the Ozarks), and white trash (but without the last term's suggestions of immorality).
Hillbilly
An unsophisticated country person, as associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians.
Redneck
A working-class white person from the southern US, especially a politically reactionary one
Redneck towns
Hillbilly
Old-fashioned term for country music
He played sweet hillbilly guitar
Redneck
Used as a disparaging term for a member of the white rural laboring class, especially in the southern United States.
Hillbilly
A person from the backwoods or a remote mountain area.
Redneck
A person regarded as having a provincial, conservative, often bigoted attitude.
Hillbilly
Someone who is from the hills; especially from a rural area, with a connotation of a lack of refinement or sophistication.
Redneck
A poor, rural, usually white, person from the Southern United States or parts of the Midwest and northeast, especially one who has unsophisticated and backward beliefs; sometimes with additional connotations of being bigoted.
Hillbilly
A white person from the rural southern part of the United States, especially the Southeastern states.
Redneck
Any of the miners who wore red bandanas for identification during the West Virginia mine war of 1921.
Hillbilly
To emphasize one's rural or humble upbringing; to use unsophisticated charm.
Redneck
A member of a certain Baltimore street gang, active in 1859.
Hillbilly
To portray or act as an uneducated and unsophisticated fool.
Redneck
A Roman Catholic.
Hillbilly
To perform or experience stereotypically hillbilly-like actions.
Redneck
A poor white person in the southern United States
Hillbilly
A disparaging term for an unsophisticated person
Common Curiosities
Are the terms "Hillbilly" and "Redneck" derogatory?
They can be, depending on context, but some people wear them as badges of honor.
What's the origin of the term "Hillbilly"?
It refers to people from rural, mountainous areas in the U.S., especially the Appalachians.
Is "Hillbilly" a strictly American term?
While it originated in America, it's understood in other English-speaking countries but may carry different connotations.
How did "Redneck" originate?
It was originally used for white farmers in the South with sunburned necks from working outdoors.
Can "Redneck" refer to anyone outside the Southern U.S.?
Yes, while it originated in the South, its use has broadened to describe rural, conservative white Americans in general.
What's the difference between a "Hillbilly" and a "Redneck" in popular culture?
"Hillbilly" often denotes someone from mountainous regions, while "Redneck" can be more broadly rural.
How do modern Appalachians feel about the term "Hillbilly"?
Views vary; while some embrace it, others feel it perpetuates negative stereotypes.
Can "Hillbilly" be used affectionately?
Absolutely, many use it with pride to denote their mountainous roots.
Are there festivals celebrating "Redneck" culture?
Yes, various events and festivals celebrate aspects of "Redneck" culture, including music, food, and activities.
Are there movies or TV shows that depict "Redneck" life?
Yes, various shows and films either stereotype or offer nuanced portrayals of "Redneck" life.
Is there a musical genre associated with "Hillbillies"?
Yes, "Hillbilly" music, which eventually gave rise to country and bluegrass.
Has "Redneck" evolved over time?
Yes, from indicating sunburned farmers, it now broadly stereotypes rural, conservative white Americans.
Are there any famous "Rednecks"?
Several celebrities, particularly in country music, embrace and celebrate their "Redneck" identity.
Are there any famous personalities who identify as "Hillbilly"?
Yes, many figures, especially in music, proudly reference their "Hillbilly" roots.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
