Backwoods

/ˈbækwʊdz/ noun

Definition

Remote, isolated areas with dense forests and few people living there.

Etymology

Compound of 'back' (remote) and 'woods' (forest). Emerged in 18th-century American English to describe sparsely settled frontier regions beyond civilization's reach.

Kelly Says

The term shaped American identity—backwoods settlers became iconic frontierspeople, but the word itself carried city dwellers' judgment about places they considered backwards or uncivilized.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.