Yokel
/ˈjoʊ.kəl/noun
A rustic or unsophisticated person, especially one perceived as naïve.
Did you know?Unlike words like *mortgage* or *disaster*, *yokel* has no securely proven ancient root—its exact origin is unknown, which is why etymologists still treat it as a linguistic mystery.
Etymological Timeline
Early 19th Century
English
yokel
“A crude term for a country bumpkin or naïve rustic person.”
19th Century
English
yokel
“Recorded in slang and dialect use with the sense of an unsophisticated rural person.”
Unknown
Unknown
—
“The word's deeper origin has not been established by historical linguistics.”
Modern English
English
yokel
“A rustic or unsophisticated person, often used insultingly.”