Clodknocker

/ˈklɑːdnɑːkər/ noun

Definition

A rural or rustic person; someone who knocks clods of earth off tools or clothing (literally or figuratively an unsophisticated person).

Etymology

Compound from 'clod' (lump of earth) and 'knocker' (one who knocks). Refers to farm workers who would need to knock dried soil off their implements and clothes, becoming an insult for country people.

Kelly Says

This wonderfully specific insult reveals actual farm life—real workers literally had to knock clods off their tools and boots, and townspeople mocked this so much it became a permanent insult!

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