Meaning & Definition of word "Bumpkin"
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Bumpkin
/ˈbʌmp.kɪn/
noun:
- 1. An unsophisticated or socially awkward person from the countryside.
- Example: He may be a bumpkin, but his sincerity is refreshing in this city of pretenders.
- 2. A rustic or rural person, often perceived as lacking in refinement.
- Example: The city folk laughed at the bumpkin's ignorance of urban life.
- 3. A person who is clumsy or awkward in manner.
- Example: She felt like a bumpkin at the elegant dinner party, stumbling over her words.
Etymology
Late Middle English, possibly from the Dutch 'bommeke', meaning 'little tree stump', implying rural simplicity.
Common Phrases and Expressions
country bumpkin:
A naive or unsophisticated person from the rural countryside.
city slicker vs. bumpkin:
Contrast between a polished city dweller and a naive rural person.
Related Words
hayseed:
A person from a rural area, particularly an unsophisticated one.
rube:
An unsophisticated or inexperienced person from a rural area.
Slang Meanings of bumpkin
Meaning: Someone who behaves awkwardly in social situations.
Example Sentence: He tried to impress her, but ended up looking like a real bumpkin.
Meaning: A person who is out of touch with urban culture.
Example Sentence: After moving to the city, he felt like a bumpkin among the trendy crowd.