yokel
Yokel (noun) means an unsophisticated or naive person from the countryside, often used dismissively. Example: “The city slickers laughed at what they assumed was a yokel from the sticks.”
How to use yokel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA somewhat insulting term for someone seen as unrefined or provincial, usually from a rural area.
Informal and often mocking or condescending — avoid it in respectful or formal writing.
Word forms
yokels plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The city slickers laughed at what they assumed was a _____ from the sticks.
Etymology
First recorded around 1812; possibly from a German nickname related to "Jakob," or from an old English dialect word for the green woodpecker.
Related words
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.
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