The traditional greeting of southern, conservative,
gun-loving, poor, white farmers, who also think the Confederate
flag is the flag of the
United States.
The term is also associated with hoboes, hicks and rednecks.
Rarely is the person to whom the gretting is addressed any sort of 'partner'. Except, possibly, in the context of an incestuous relationship between the two parties.
Hick 1: Howdy partner! What y'all doin' tonight?
Hick 2: I'm gonna 'ave me some cows for dinner!
Hick
3: I'm gonna go shoot me some trespassers with ma 12-gauge! I'll bring back the meat!
Hick 1: K, howdy y'all, I best be off, ma Doris want's some
hot lovin, ya know!
Hick 2: Doris yo
sister or Doris yo mothar?