big'un
A big one — fish, kid, melon, whatever you are pointing at.
Also called big un, biggun, big'n.
Updated September 21, 2026
big'un pronunciation
/BIG-uhn/
Meaning
Short for big one. In Southern and Appalachian talk, one softens to 'un, same as little'un and young'un. You hear it when somebody lands a heavy bass, picks the largest squash, or means the older kid instead of the baby. It is size talk with the vowels worn smooth.
How folks use it
- “Look at that catfish — that's a big'un!”
- “Tell the big'un to fetch firewood; the little'un can stay on the porch.”
Origin and etymology
From big one, with one clipped to 'un. Appalachian English regularly sticks 'un on adjectives and pronouns (young'un, big'un). Similar 'un forms show up in Northern England speech, which fits the Scotch-Irish streams that fed mountain talk. Hunting and fishing circles use it for trophy-sized game too.
Frequently asked questions
Is big'un only for people?
No. Kids, dogs, fish, pumpkins — anything you call the large one of a pair or a haul.