Tar Heel

Definition

Synonym of North Carolinian.

Etymology

North Carolina was associated with tar (of which it was a major producer) from the 1700s onwards, and residents were (at first derisively) called "Tarboilers" since at least the 1840s; "Tar Heel" is first attested in 1863 in comments by Confederate soldiers which suggest it was already in common use at that time. One popular theory suggests it refers to North Carolinians having tar on their heels to make them "stick", referring either to their reluctance to join the Confederacy, or to their holding ground during battles when other states' troops retreated.

Example Sentences

• "I'm a Tar Heel born I'm a Tar Heel bred And when I die I'm a Tar Heel dead."
• "Michael Jordan is one of many Tar Heel basketball standouts."