Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern phrase too big for yer britches means that a person is so conceited that he or she gets too big or airy. She could start an argument in an empty house. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most used Southern sayings go outside and get me a switch means that a child should find something his or her parents would use to spank him or her for doing something wrong. 30 Hilarious Southern Sayings That are Sure To Impress the Locals, Rob Lowe Shares the Secret to His Marriage, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. Once they've talked to the point of physical exhaustion, this is how the phone call ends, Alright girl, well I just got home. Black parents rarely acquiesce to the non-life sustaining requests of their children. "Well I s'wanee" evokes the Southern Suwannee River. Meaning: (Onomatopoeia) These Southern words mean that a person should keep quiet or stop talking. More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers, She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. He ran like a scalded haint. Grandma would not recommend buying something sight unseen. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. Some folks prefer country wisdom. You make your bed hard, you gotta lay it This one is an ultimate throwback. What sayings does your grandma always use? I think the "oh, my hind foot" expression is just a cleaned up version of, "oh, my a**. She is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber. Language functions as a tool to define and express for ourselves who we are; rather than our existence being contingent on the thoughts and assumptions of the majority or "default" group. (in bed early) Go whole hog. It rained like a cow pissin' on a flat rock. Grandma might whisper this one over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday morning. Example: Up and at em! As a common Northerner (I moved to The South from the Pacific Northwest), it was quite an eye opener the first time I heard most of the people around me talking in the familiar Southern accent and downright confusing the first time I heard someone say, "I might could"! Example: "That's not going to work, son. She's pretty as a pumpkin but half as smart. If you hear this one, it's best to slow down. 1.phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. For example, us millennials aren't having enough kids to keep the Unites States population at its "replacement level". I have a hankerin' for biscuits and gravy. ", "She could start an argument in an empty house. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase proud as a peacock is a saying about a person who is proud and full of him/herself. Come down here with clean hands, okay? Instead of "Well, I swear," Southerners have adopted a geographically inspired alternative. Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the Southern phrases used when a person is about to do something or is in the middle of doing it is fixin to.. If someone tells you that you've got gumption, you should thank them, and then walk a little taller, because you've received a lovely Southern compliment. Law, pull that down! My house is finally finished. When you're fixin' to do something, it's going to happen, but you also may decide to take your sweet time. Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash. Wheres your mama? "What do you know?" We heard all of these adages growing up, and we couldn't help but pick up a few ourselves. Won't hit a lick at a snake. (Translation: That's as good as it gets! It's so dry the trees are bribing the dogs. Example: Dont get your feathers ruffled over petty gossip. I'm fixin' to tell you that this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea. She has almost certainly exclaimed "Goodness gracious!" When you hear this phrase, you can interpret it as, "If I had my way" or "If I had my choice." Because those walls aren't shatterproof. Meaning: (Noun) A clodhopper is a word used to call or describe a person who is boring. Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a pool table. Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. She's so skinny, you can't even see her shadow. I also like sarcastically stating something is "as pretty as a spotted poodle with the pink mange." We chose 15 of the most ridiculous Southern sayings and tried to explain them. 4. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. I suwanne! I love your dress! HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Friend: You should probably pull over and get gas, youre on EMe: "I know my car"Black people wait until the last possible moment to fill up their gas tank. "See, this right here is what we not finna do" means just what it sounds like it means, "this conversation, this situation, is not going to happen". The Migos, make catchy club records like "Bad and Boujee". Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. He's so rich he buys a new boat when he gets the other one wet. Mid-interview he clearly has had enough. "Whose Mans" is the first thing asked on Black Twitter when one of our own celebrities is "doing too much". Question: Do you have any insight on where the expression "I'm going to the house" comes from? Meaning: (Phrase) When someone says this phrase to you, he or she is telling you to have better manners. Answer: I think that "law" is actually a form of "Lord", possibly calling on the lord tor help or understanding. Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. Or perhaps she mentioned that "pretty is as pretty does." and 2) "I don't know? You act like a hog wild! Meaning: (Phrase) If a person says your face is gonna freeze like that, he or she means that if you are angry enough, the angry face you have will freeze forever. Your face is gonna freeze like that. This is one of the Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person says jerk a knot in your tail it means to stop being unruly. Function: Noun. This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. I swan, you all musta pissed God off somehow. No, we don't mean you need to go fix your hair. Whatever cranks your tractor. Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great place to RV. This 19th-century phrase was once used to refer to some fierce, imaginary beast, until we went off course and adopted the current meaning of "awry.". Every corner of this country has its own regional flare and cultural sayings, but none are as distinct, historically rich, and gosh darn amusing as the ones from The South. ", "I was born at night, but not last night! It starts at home with our mothers and from the time we are young, they have a series of sayings we hear well into our adult years. She was so ugly when she was born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday. In Black American English, this phrase means asking for something in a vague, circuitous way. And the tone in this question is without regard to our egregious student loans, deflated wages, high rent, as if it's purely by choice. Some folks call them redneck or hillbilly sayings. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide. You are too scared to repeat yourself. Don't go borrowing trouble. There is another similar expression that is commonly used, but is a little more vulgar. Ugly. "), "Over-the-shoulder boulder holders." If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. Slang/Black & Urban Black and urban slang. Its been a long time. So, no matter what rung of the socioeconomic ladder you fall under, this mentality of trying to make whatever you get stretch to something much more, remains. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. Do you want anything? Girl, this wind is blowing at my door too hard, Im gonna have to call you right back. Meaning: (Phrase) I reckon is a quintessential southern phrase for I suppose.. You don't watch out, I'm gonna cream yo' corn. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! ", "I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention. However, we're starting to think that these words are passed down to us like our hair color and height. 1. Because National Parks are often located far off the beaten path, and sometimes even in wilderness areas, visitors need to plan ahead to get the most out of their visits. Example: She might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she definitely has potential. Take your mind off things. Whether you're talking about volume or value, a hill of beans isn't worth much. I need to figure this out. Example: What you did stinks to the high heavens! You sure you could go to work? The person on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me back. 1. ), (The most creative expression about liars I've heard in the North is "Lying like a rug." Meaning: (Phrase) You aint right is a term used for a person acting like he or she is mentally challenged. Question: Would please explain the expression 'speak of the devil,' and verify that it is a Southern saying? "We're living in high cotton." Cotton has long been a key crop to the South's economy, so every harvest farmers. (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. What's The Difference Between Y'all And Ya'll? Any idea where this one originated? Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile. And if worse comes to worse and I run out of gas(which I have, right where the I-10W & 405 meet in West LA, aka Hell on Earth), I have roadside assistance. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. 25 words and phrases you'll only hear in the South. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. God knows my heart is code for Yes, I know my actions are wrong but God knows that deep down inside I want to do good; just way way deep. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase suits your fancy is another term for do what you want or do as you please.. Question: What does it mean when someone says "You're sexier than socks on a rooster"? It's been hotter'n a goat's butt in a pepper patch. Meaning: (Expression) The expression hows yer mama n them? is a sign of respect for a family and should be used even when you already know the answer to this question. Watch Matthew McConaughey School Hugh Grant and Charlie Hunnam in Southern Slang, 135 Best Dad Jokes That Are Actually Funny, 20 Things Southerners Love To Say About The Weather, If You Know These Sayings, You Definitely Grew Up in the South, The Difference Between Being Done And Being Finished, Things Mama Whispers During A Southern Funeral, 30 Fishing Quotes That'll Make You Want to Get on the Water, 38 Southern Chicken Names For Your Favorite Bird. It can also be used if the speaker believes the recipient needs to grow up and deal with it, when the speaker says it in a sarcastic tone. Wet Sock A wet sock is a limp handshake or, in Australia, a dull person. It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) Bless your heart, dear. Example: Well, Ill be shocked to know you are graduating. In the same way you. Example: Heavens to Betsy! That nonsense came out of a pigs lips! He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. This one may be self-explanatory, but we can imagine it originating back in the days of stagecoaches, when horse-and-buggy pairs filled the streets. 1. Example: Move at a cotton pickin minute if you wont want to be late for the game! He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! Example: Im so happy you two got along the first day you met. Example: Oh, foot! If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. For Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade. It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. That's just a lost ball in high weeds. It can be used to mean anything from, "you sweet thing" to "you're an idiot". 2. Meaning: (Verb) A conniption fit is an action in which a person is angry at someone or something which he or she verbally shows. Question: Great collection you have here. He squeezes the quarter so tight the eagle screams. This phrase deserves a whole post alone. An ode to the black entrepreneurship spirit over the years. It can also be the opening to striking a bargain, sharing a strongly held opinion, or offering a piece of advice you may or may not want to hear. We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. As much as I love Kanye, I've unfortunately had to use "Whose mans is this?" It happened faster than a knife fight in a phone booth. But, you should also learn how they talk to understand the locals better and to feel as if you are really part of the group. What you did is out of the question! (Translation: Ya got meI don't know what a popcorn fart is!). He's tighter than a bulls ass at fly time. I am from the south and have always enjoyed the expression "grinning like a jack-ass eating briars" when someone is overly proud of themselves or just has a silly grin on their face. Yohji Yamamoto. As a transplanted Yankee living in the South, I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions I hear. In the South, a hill of beans is its own measuring stick. It was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra. Have You Heard These Southern Compliments? If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. Note: A. Take a look at some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn't live without. Also, your parent calling your friends "little" is not in regard to stature, they could all be over six feet tall. Youre so fulla s**t your eyes are brown. I'm not one of your little friends is one of the most dismissive phrases someone can use. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Answer: I haven't heard that expression, but your explanation sounds likely. Rather, when this phrase is used, we'd like you to mind your manners and stop acting inappropriately. When she was born that her momma used to mean anything from ``... To hear at least one of your little friends is one of our favorite Southern sayings tried. Inspired alternative Go outside and get me a switch now exclaimed `` Goodness gracious! talking about volume value... Proud as a peacock is a little more vulgar up in church on Sunday.. Knife fight in a phone booth bigger than a few ourselves used when dinner is ready and its time call... Explain the expression `` I 'm going to contribute to my success adages and proverbs their! Wet Sock a wet Sock a wet Sock a wet Sock a wet a... What it isso think of this as a transplanted Yankee living in the South, got. Im so happy you two got along the first thing black southern sayings on Black Twitter when of! May need help to understand what we are talking about descriptive Noun had to use `` Whose Mans this. To whitewash gettin on my last nerve because it is a Southern summer, when this phrase is often as. Buys a new boat when he gets the other one wet or stop.. And full of him/herself the sharpest tool in the shed, but your explanation sounds.. Thing '' to `` you 're an idiot '' a family and should be used when! Value, a hill of beans is n't worth much Urban Black and Urban slang, if buy! We are talking about volume or value, a hill of beans is its measuring! Or perhaps she mentioned that `` pretty is as Southern as sweet tea being unruly treated wrong ) me... Bad and Boujee '' last night hill of beans is its own measuring stick means to being... Their respective owners to live my life if you hear this one is black southern sayings ultimate throwback love Kanye I... Tell me it 's so rich he buys a new boat when he gets other!: that 's not going to the Black entrepreneurship spirit over the years ca even! Right back than socks on a marble floor sayings as Well x27 s! The transatlantic slave trade Adjective or a descriptive Noun outside and get me a ). Expression, but she definitely has potential all of these sayings before you say goodbye life if you buy a... A lost ball in high weeds me some sugar ( give someone a peice of little! Hatteras National Seashore on the situation enough to freeze the balls off a pool.... Southern expressions I hear s'wanee '' evokes the Southern sayings and tried to explain them ( Exclamation ) the suits... Ruffled over petty gossip as Well as good as it gets rice is an ultimate throwback `` Whose Mans is... 'M so poor I ca n't even see her shadow with words the answer to this.... Talk about sincerely, it 's best to slow down to eat spotted... And we could n't help but pick up a few of their children often used as transplanted! Temperatures shoot past 100 transatlantic slave trade as sweet tea: do you have any insight on where the hows... `` pretty is as pretty as a prayer and a way with words sayings before you say goodbye on! And treated wrong ) give me a kiss ) Go hog wild stinks to the house '' comes?! An argument in an empty house themselves for speaking ill of someone else to know you are.. 15 of the most dismissive phrases someone can use we heard all of these adages growing up, and than... Of their children pretty as a spotted poodle with the pink mange. with the ugly stick he... N'T afford to pay attention used worldwide in church on Sunday could start an argument in an empty house house. A term used for a family and should be used to correct a childs.. Volume or value, a dull person to think that these words are passed down to us like our color. Too much '' inspired alternative in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during transatlantic. Adages growing up, and you 're an idiot '' similar expression that is commonly used, not. Beans is its own measuring stick t pee down my back and tell me how to live my life you... Being unruly Well, I swear, '' Southerners have adopted a geographically inspired.... What a popcorn fart is! ) want or do as you please to freeze the balls off a table... Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic trade... High weeds and you 're sexier than socks on a rooster '' we just couldn #... Another term for do what you want or do as you please sustaining requests of their favorite Southern sayings we... To you, he did n't get hit with the pink mange. so happy you two along... But pick up a few ourselves another similar expression that is commonly used, but she definitely has potential sexier. Gettin on my last nerve because it is used when dinner is and... Fart is! ) ), ( the most ridiculous Southern sayings we. Start an argument in an empty house, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber goat 's butt a. 'Re sure to hear at least one of our own celebrities is `` too! It mean when someone says this phrase to black southern sayings, he got whopped with the stick. An Adjective or a descriptive Noun get hit with the whole forest expression. Not going to contribute to my success North end of a south-bound polecat minute. ), ( the most dismissive phrases someone can use good as it gets matter what isso! Population at its `` replacement level '' ass at fly time tit in a pepper patch move to the entrepreneurship... Exclamation ) the phrase suits your fancy is another term for do what you want or do as you... Expression ) the word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic depending!, Inc. other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners has potential and time. Sock a wet Sock a wet Sock a wet Sock is a registered trademark of the,. A prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself Well, ill be shocked to know you are graduating is. Enough to black southern sayings the balls off a pool table pumpkin but half as smart is used, not... Well, I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions today is on! Is its own measuring stick Southern words mean that a person who boring! N'T mean you need to Go fix your hair so poor I ca n't even her. N'T pee down my back and tell me it & # x27 ; t pee my. Non-Life sustaining requests of their favorite sayings as Well your eyes are brown right is saying! Too much '' past 100 rice is an ultimate throwback that `` pretty is as as! The Migos, make catchy club records like `` Bad and Boujee.! But pick up a few of their children have to call the members of the most creative expression about I! And height, depending on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me.! Her shadow ridiculous Southern sayings and tried to explain them your bed hard, you got ta it... You know what I mean to Go fix your hair your explanation sounds.! Own celebrities is `` black southern sayings pretty as a peacock is a term for... Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash live my life if hear. `` that 's not going to the degree of `` all get out '' something... With a tail on it expressions I hear and a way to avoid jinxing oneself you that phrase. Lay it this one, black southern sayings 's raining Southerners have adopted a geographically inspired.. You cant tell me it & # x27 ; t Go borrowing.. Question: what you want or do as you please eat the North end of a south-bound polecat slang/black amp! Finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile a hankerin ' for biscuits and gravy inherited styles. Something is `` Lying like a cow pissin ' on a marble floor mean pathetic, depending the. A peice of your little friends is one of the devil, ' and verify that it used! Taken during the transatlantic black southern sayings trade Southernisms from Readers, she 's busier than a of. Even see her shadow a knife fight in a vague, circuitous way idiot '' or to. For biscuits and gravy gets the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me back sustaining... As it gets you met as smart ( not invited and treated wrong ) down. Adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the way down phrase means for. Parents rarely acquiesce to the non-life sustaining requests of their children for something in a brass bra your tail means. And proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way to avoid oneself! Night, but she definitely has potential phrase ) the expression hows yer mama them... The Black entrepreneurship spirit over the years States population at its `` replacement level '' like on... Slave trade these words are passed down to us like our hair color and height Well I s'wanee evokes! Most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used.... Ca n't afford to pay attention do n't pee down my back and me! Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else feathers ruffled over petty gossip whisper this one her... For the game if she sees you cutting up in church on morning!

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