backwoods

[bak-woodz]

noun

1. (often used with a singular verb),  wooded or partially uncleared and unsettled districts.

2. any remote or isolated area.

   Synonyms: backwater, bush, boonies, boondocks, woodland, wild, hinterland

adjective

1. of or relating to the backwoods.

2. unsophisticated; uncouth.

backwoods

/ ˈbækwʊdz /

plural noun

1. partially cleared, sparsely populated forests

2. any remote sparsely populated place

3. (modifier) of, from, or like the backwoods

4. (modifier) uncouth; rustic

Word History and Origins

Origin of backwoods¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; back ¹ + woods ¹ (in the sense “a forest”)

Example Sentences

They paid the midwife $7.50 for me — this was in the backwoods of Louisiana.”

From Los Angeles Times

A hiker who was lost in the backwoods of British Columbia for more than five weeks has been found alive.

From BBC

He looks like the backwoods version of a wise wizard from the movies.

From Literature

If you don’t know Atkins’ backstory, it’s a lot like Dolly Parton’s — smart but poor kid in a backwoods cabin, no running water, few prospects, and a lot of heart.

From Los Angeles Times

One day, some newly arrived riflemen from backwoods Virginia were walking through the yards at Harvard.

From Literature

Related Words

• backcountry www.thesaurus.com
• outback