A boondock, in geography, is a landform consisting of a slight rise in elevation found in vegetated sandy landscapes, such as Colorado's San Luis Valley. Wind action on sand causes erosion on unvegetated terrain and deposition on the vegetated terrain which gradually rises in elevation, becoming low mounds perhaps five feet (1.5 meters), which are sometimes used by coyotes for their dens. Boondocks may refer to a remote, usually brushy rural area. The expression was introduced to English by American military personnel serving in the Philippines during the early years of the 20^th century. It derives from the Tagalog word "bundok", meaning "mountain". It also carries the implication that it's "backward" or "unsophisticated"; hence taga-bundok "people who live in the hinterland": for example, people who are backward or unsophisticated.
   Boondocks or diminutively "the boonies" has since evolved into a more general American slang term for "the country" or any rural/wilderness location in general, regardless of topography or vegetation that's isolated and away from "the action" or the comforts and variety of urban life. A similar word, bundu is part of South African Slang. Equipment suitable for traveling in the boondocks has been jokingly referred to as "boondockers," as contrasted with Dockers brand dress-pants.

In popular culture

• In 1965, Billy Joe Royal had a hit song called "Down in the Boondocks", which is often heard on "oldies" radio programs.