heifer
A young female cow, or a pointed name for a woman.
Also called heffa.
Updated September 24, 2026
heifer pronunciation
/HEFF-er/
Meaning
On the farm, a heifer is a young cow that has not had a calf yet. In rural Southern talk the same word jumps to people. Aimed at a woman, it can be playful porch shade or a real dig, depending on the smile and the company. Either way, the cow comparison is sitting right there in the room.
How folks use it
- “We got three heifers in that pen ready for the spring sale.”
- “That heifer cut in line at the feed store like she owned the place.”
Origin and etymology
Old English heahfore for a young cow. The farm meaning is the root. By the 1800s English speakers were also using heifer as derisive slang for a woman or girl. Southern and country talk kept both senses alive: livestock first, then the side-eye nickname.
Frequently asked questions
Is calling someone a heifer always mean?
Not always. Among friends it can be teasing. From a stranger, it usually lands as an insult.