Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

yokel

noun
/ˈjoʊ.kəl/
Definition
A yokel is a person who is perceived as being unsophisticated or from a rural area, often characterized by a lack of urban manners or knowledge.
Examples
  • Despite his yokel origins, he managed to succeed in the city.
  • The movie portrayed the yokels in a humorous light, showing their quirky traditions.
  • She was tired of being treated like a yokel just because she came from a small town.
Meaning
The term is often used in a derogatory way to suggest that someone is uneducated or naive, especially in contrast to city dwellers.
Synonyms
  • Rube
  • Hick
  • Country bumpkin
  • Farmhand