yokel
|yo-kel|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈjoʊkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈjəʊkəl/
unsophisticated country person
Etymology
Etymology Information
'yokel' originates from English dialect, possibly related to the word 'yoke,' where 'yoke' meant 'a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals.'
Historical Evolution
'yokel' changed from an English dialect word 'yokel' and eventually became the modern English word 'yokel'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a person who works with yoked animals,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an unsophisticated country person'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a derogatory term for a person from the countryside, often perceived as unsophisticated or naive.
The city folks laughed at the yokel's confusion in the bustling streets.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/24 18:21