yokel
6 synonyms for yokel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An unsophisticated or naive person from the countryside, often used dismissively.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
First recorded around 1812; possibly from a German nickname related to "Jakob," or from an old English dialect word for the green woodpecker.
Full origin of yokel →Frequently asked questions
What does “yokel” mean?
The word “yokel” means an unsophisticated or naive person from the countryside, often used dismissively. In plain terms, a somewhat insulting term for someone seen as unrefined or provincial, usually from a rural area.
How do you pronounce “yokel”?
“Yokel” is pronounced YOH-kuhl (/ˈjoʊ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “yokel” in a sentence?
Here is “yokel” used in a sentence: “The city slickers laughed at what they assumed was a yokel from the sticks.”
What part of speech is “yokel”?
“Yokel” is a noun.
Where does the word “yokel” come from?
The word “yokel” dates back to around 1812 and comes from Old English. First recorded around 1812; possibly from a German nickname related to "Jakob," or from an old English dialect word for the green woodpecker.
