Example: Goodness gracious! More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers, She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. Divide equally, and everyone will be happy. (Now this one I've heard in New Jersey). Example: Wow, are you testing me? Got it? When you're in the South, "over yonder" is a distant directionany direction. 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. There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway). I haven't eaten all day." We call this "fine bara" in Nigerian Pidgin English. This phrase deserves a whole post alone. Over yonder toward the water tower. Youre as sick as a dog and we dont want you to get too tired. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase proud as a peacock is a saying about a person who is proud and full of him/herself. The old-timers used to take that individual aside and share this gem of wisdom with them, which basically means if you make your life difficult youre going to have to deal with the consequences. But saying, "no, you do not look like Boo-Boo The Fool" is worse than a wrong answer, because duh, the question is rhetorical. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bless your heart is a Southern-style slang that women use when speaking ill about somebody. ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. If I had a dog as ugly as you, I'd shave his butt and make him walk backwards. If you hear this one, it's best to slow down. It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. She has almost certainly exclaimed "Goodness gracious!" (Translation: Run and hide! Example: "That's not going to work, son. If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. Again, she's a pro at offering perspective, which is one of the many reasons we love her. Meaning: (Exclamation) The exclamation up and at em is a term used when a person is telling another to get up and start working. Have you ever seen a wet hen? You should think about your actions. Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit. Question: Great collection you have here. Example: Make sure you be back directly once youre done with the project. Photo: H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images, Don't Count Your Chickens Before They've Hatched, You'll Catch More Flies with Honey Than with Vinegar, One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure, You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can't Make It Drink, People Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones, You Can't Make an Omelet Without Breaking a Few Eggs, Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater, Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise, I Love You a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck, You're Making a Mountain out of a Molehill, You Can't Make a Silk Purse out of a Sow's Ear, If It Had Been a Snake, It Would Have Bitten You, What's Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander, 100 Sister Quotes That Celebrate Sisterly Love, Things Only Southern Moms Say To Their Daughters, 55 Positive Thinking Quotes To Make Your Day Brighter, The Accessories Im Stealing From My Southern Grandmothers Closet This Year, Grandmother Quotes That'll Make You Long for a Visit, Things Southerners Say When They Come Home To A Mess, 30 Motivational Monday Quotes To Inspire Your Week, 135 Best Dad Jokes That Are Actually Funny, 30 Fishing Quotes That'll Make You Want to Get on the Water, Our Favorite Southern Horse Names For Your New Horse, 11 Things That Instantly Remind You Of Grandma's House, 30 Healing Quotes for Inspiration and Encouragement, The History Of The Wild Horses In The Outer Banks. Question: What does the southern saying "yuns" mean? You can always count on Grandma to be realistic. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. Southerners don't say "cater-cornered"they say "caddywonked.". I'm gonna fetch me the most fetching filly I can find. Example: Why do you need a buggy? (Spelling a phonetic guess). He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cannot carry a tune when singing. If you can't run with the big dogs, stay under the porch. And when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. Example: If it suits your fancy, definitely go for it. I've heard every nonsensical reason to get off the phone, many I have used: "Girl, I just opened this grape juice, let me call you right back. Its not helping anyone. Question: Is there a saying for that pleasant time around dusk when the temperature cools off in a few minutes, in a pleasant way? "Excuse me? Dont be lying like a dog on a rug. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. ", "He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. Example: Oh, foot! Black parents will read you to the heavens and make you reevaluate your entire life. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase suits your fancy is another term for do what you want or do as you please.. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. There is another similar expression that is commonly used, but is a little more vulgar. 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. Question: Do you think that "bless her/your/his heart" is an insult? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Meaning: (Phrase) The term flew off the handle is used when someone goes out of control. Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). Example: You mean to say hell be back at Christmas time? Example: Wow, he really is goin to town for that new girl of his. We believe in call and response, highly interactive communication styles. Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it. The other reason black people love saying this phrase is out of pure pettiness. You are wound tighter than a clock! It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) Please move faster. Question: What is the meaning of the Southern saying "Low in the hole"? Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. Translated, it means, "He sure does think a lot of himself." It's a vivid phrase, and it's an accurate one too. If at first you don't succeed, there's surely another strategy to try. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit out. One Time: Police Slang Words And How Cops Got Their Nicknames, The History Of Black People With Blue Eyes, Prominent Black Professionals Sue Hulu Over 94 Freaknik Documentary Release, Halle Berry's Nude Photo Sparks Hateful Tweet About 'Aging With Dignity', Video Shows Racist Coach Mark Taylor Driving Around Atlanta Complaining About All The Black People, Candace Owens Cries About Designer Who Refused To Work With Her Or Her Husband, Suggests It's Like 'Jim Crow', Tennessee Republican Who Led Charge To Expel Black Dems Might Be In Violation Of State Constitution: Report, Jonathan Majors Has Already Been Found Guilty In The Court Of Public Opinion, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. Andrew LaSane. 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. He's tighter than a bulls ass at fly time. HIs britches are so tight they make his legs look like hot dogs. (Most of these comments are made about women. Example: I am tickled pink to see my new picket fence! Example: She keeps playin possum even though we know the things she has done. In the 1900s, the word evolved, taking on a Southern spin as well as new meanings such as "courage" and "get-up-and-go.". The brilliance of black parents is that they can make you feel stupid with a few words and a glare. I was surprised as all get out. He doesn't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. Or perhaps she mentioned that "pretty is as pretty does." Example: I heard he was deader than a doornail. (As we Yankees say, "These people don't know which way is up. She's so gussied up you'd think it was a beauty contest. When you've met the girl of your dreams, chances are she is "pretty as a peach." As much as I love Kanye, I've unfortunately had to use "Whose mans is this?" America has flourished on the backs of black people; our labor, services, and ingenuity. (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. Also: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Example: Careful, now. Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. Meaning: (Phrase) The term hog wild is a term used in Southern living that describes a person living wildly and without a care. You act like a hog wild! Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. America is highly segregated and there are swathes of people uneducated to vernacular not like theirs. Colder than a well digger's butt in January. Meaning: (Noun) The word coke became a Southern expression for any kind of carbonated drink, even if its not Coke. Bless your heart. You make your bed hard, you gotta lay it This one is an ultimate throwback. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. Hes so young. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. So before reading these ten very black phrases and thinking "this isn't proper language", learn to respect the different spaces that exist in this country and understand that culture, heritage, and humor are ever-changing; and for many people language is a way to celebrate their unique identity in a country that has ostracized them for being different. You look like you've been rode hard and put up wet! Example: Our boss had another conniption fit, so expect him to be in a bad mood the whole day. I could slap you silly! and 2) "I don't know? Discover Scottish humor here! Why so sad? So ugly hed scare a buzzard off a gut pile. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont get your feathers ruffled is used when a person is about to get mad or annoyed. He was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. Whether or not you're currently a local to any of the states south of the Mason Dixon, or just reminiscing about your younger years or times spent with family, reading through these sayings will make you want to whip up a .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}batch of biscuits, pour another glass of sweet tea while rocking on a porch, or stroll down a driveway dripping with moss. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. Answer: No, I don't. She has a dying duck fit. Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. 25 words and phrases you'll only hear in the South. Do you want anything? Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. Question: What does it mean when people start a sentence with law? Ive enjoyed reading these. It is also wise to learn a little about the native culture to make you appear less touristy. One of those cultural distinctions is our language. For example, when I speak to a friend and say "Man, 2017 was one of the most disrespectful years of all time", they will prompltly respond with, "You ain't neva lied". As soon as this phrase is said, you immediately stop what you're doing and head over to see what happened. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase stinks to high heavens means that a person has done something bad. In the middle of your hustle and striving, no person or circumstance will impede your progress or keep you from keepin' on (bonus black phrase). Something smells bad enough to knock a dog off a gut wagon. Meaning: (Expression) Goodness gracious is an expression used when a person is shocked by something he or she learned about. Example: He sure is goin to hell in a handbasket if he doesnt help himself. Answer: I haven't heard that expression, but your explanation sounds likely. Hold on the microwave is on in the kitchen and Im in the bathroom, Ill call you back. And we're beginning to understand what a treasure that truly is. "It was and remains an insulting way to describe a Black person because it suggests that they are 'too big for their britches' or are demonstrating a sense of dignity or autonomy they are not. Meaning: (Phrase) A hissy fit is a tantrum done by a child who does not know how to control and direct his or her emotions. Question: Have you heard anyone say Oh, my hind foot!? My mother and aunts used to say this if they thought someone was telling a tall tale. He's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine/a trapdoor on a canoe. Example: Up and at em! As she says, "even articulate Americans sound foolish to the British". Meaning: (Exclamation The exclamation oh, foot! is a term used to show frustration because you forgot something. It is used to describe the human anatomy like the heart. It can definitely be a softly worded insult, or it can mean something very complimentary. Does that mean a Southern accent? (I love you bunches. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. For example, let's say a kid comes home past their curfew and the parent asks the child why they are late. What happened to you?! Do you remember me? Example: She might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she definitely has potential. However, if you're from the South, you know that sometimes there's just no other way to get your point across. Don't offer us unsweetened tea. We have guests. Get the short end of the stick. I reckon you still want to go with them? This statement will be affirmed to you with a swiftness when you seem to forget who exactly you are speaking to. I know God is tired of us co-signing his name on our mess. You are slow as molasses! All Rights Reserved. .css-2x3ibz{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:normal;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-2x3ibz:hover{color:link-hover;}}Rob Lowe Shares the Secret to His Marriage, Fans Rally Around Valerie Bertinelli's Sad News, Reese Witherspoon Walks Red Carpet After Breakup, Here's When to Watch Every Episode of Rabbit Hole, 'Yellowstone' Stars Confirm Real-Life Romance, Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa Is Returning, See Joanna Gaines's Emotional Family Update, LeAnn Rimes Fans Are Freaking Out Over Sheer Dress, Miranda Lamberts Husband Posted a Thirst Trap. If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too. Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. The distinct English dialect of the American South, which has a close relationship with Black English (African American Vernacular English), is fascinatingand plenty lively. If his brains were dynamite, he couldnt blow his nose. She's not looking for sweets; she wants a hug and a kiss. Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. That dog won't hunt. Of course, there are the good old standbys we all know and love, like "y'all" and "down yonder." After she swats your shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you're left looking like Eddie Murphy in "Raw". 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. Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term slap you silly is hyperbole for someone who is mad and can slap another person. 6. There's a tree stump in a Louisiana swamp with a higher IQ. Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! He couldn't find his ass with both hands in his back pockets. Example: Im heading out to get a coke. You're lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut. You're working too hard to convince people who are already on board. "Whose Mans" is the first thing asked on Black Twitter when one of our own celebrities is "doing too much". Here are 83 words you'll want to start using, adapted from an episode of The List Show on YouTube. This phrase is another. Putting five dollars on gas was suitable in the 90s when goods and services cost less, the economy was booming, and our wages werent stagnant. 2. Example: I am fine and dandy even uder the Southern summer heat. Hes happier than a dead pig in the sunshine. 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. I haven't heard any particular witty comebacks lately, though, have you? For Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade. Example: Thats too much. It was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra. bling. Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. 1. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. You're lyin' like a no-legged dog! That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. Example: We told you that its not good to use swear words even if you think youre cool. Example: Are you a ding-don or are you just pretending? It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. (When shes more pissed off. It takes a strong woman to fill that cup Another throwback among the older matriarchs in the family. We care about your data. 1. But we declare if your only knowledge of Southern sayings comes from Gone With the Wind, you're missing out on a lot of Southern expressions. Of course you don't have McDonald's money, you could be as young as young as five or six years old. Meaning: (Phrase) The term cute as a button is used for a person, mostly a child, who is small and adorable. You're gonna have old and new-monia dressed like that! If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. I was so appalled and hurt that I had to ask this dreadful question, because at the moment he definitely was not my mans. You don't have a job and you probably dont have an allowance because why would your parents pay you to do what youre supposed to do while living their household. ), Or this one: "His heart is a thumpin' gizzard." This is the couth Southerner's way of insulting your intelligence without using so many words. No bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond is as tiny as can be. Law, pull that down! Though all similar, the accents range from the small town twang to the unique Charleston accent. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Example: Are you seriously mad right now while theres a storm blowin? 2. 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"! When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. Take your mind off things. Meaning: (Phrase) You aint right is a term used for a person acting like he or she is mentally challenged. I've looked all over hell and half of Georgia to find the best and funniest Southern sayings for all y'all, and I sure hope they tickled you as much as they tickled me. So when asking for a childhood luxury such as McDonalds, knowing good and well your parents went out of their way to buy weekly groceries to cook for your ungrateful self, they are going to ask you one simple question to determine if you can in fact have McDonalds: Do you have McDonalds money? From the tone in their voice to the look on their face, the question is extremely condescending. Bless your heart. It was bad as all get out. I'm sure if you're a mother now, you may find yourself saying. When traveling abroad, it's usually wise to learn a few words and phrases in the native language to help in case you find yourself in a jam. Yet amid all this, Black America found a way to create a culture so distinct that it has influenced the world. Copy. Barking up the wrong tree. It's like walking through soup out here. It draws a line saying "no matter how much I love you, this relationship ain't equal". She already knows anywaysomehowso you should go ahead and come clean. "He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle." Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Quit goin' around your ass to get to your elbow. AP/Doug Parker. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. Marcus Garvey. 5. 36 of 63. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. If it gets any hotter, I'll have to take off stuff I really ought to keep on. I dont know why Black people just cant say "I have to go, good talking to you, bye". The politics of black slang are tricky. That's where the phrase "Do I look like Boo-Boo The Fool?" Meaning: (Expression) Mind your Ps and Qs is often used to remind a person about his or her manners. If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. Some even helped us to stay out of trouble. (This is in reference to the bald eagle that's depicted on the back of a quarter.) It's plain as a pig on a sofa. Example: I dont like her style, bless her heart. I reckon "I reckon" can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. 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. Forget corporal punishment, although they are good at that too. comes from. Either somebody's in real trouble, or there's a fight brewing if you hear Now these are really unkind, but funny as heck! Some pests messed it up last night. It means that a person is acting innocently trying to hide something in order for him or her to deceive others. Example: Make sure you be back directly once you're done with the project. 4. 1. Meaning: (Exclamation) The Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person is shocked or surprised. The phrase means a situation is rare, just like a blue moon. Example: Who knows whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow? Here are a few famous Black people sayings that you may or may not know. So it really hurts when a celebrity does something that embarrasses us. Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. What Southerners Say About Being Cheap 1. Southerners have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar.). Today, our communities and schools are severely under-resourced, widening the achievement gap and hindering many Black Americans chances at getting a good job. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase wound tighter than a clock refers to a person so stressed out that its beyond healthy measures. Example: Is she fixin to the garden? You'd call an alligator a lizard. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is another slang used in the South to tell a person to stop misbehaving. Yohji Yamamoto. Copy. ", Question: Happy as a lart? 6) Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. A little effort now may save you lots of effort later. Both parties know that there won't be another phone call. ", "I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention. Example: Mind your Ps and Qs. But this is 2017, five dollars cant get you a bottle of water at a sporting event. (Translation: Ya got meI don't know what a popcorn fart is!). In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. Once they've talked to the point of physical exhaustion, this is how the phone call ends, Alright girl, well I just got home. 1. This is how Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and Grandpa. Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. Answer: Yuns is a shortened version of "you ones", similar to "you all". This way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture. This occurs when someone feels too comfortable with you and has taken your demeanor as an indicator that anything can be said or done. Meaning: (Phrase) The term knee-high to a bullfrog is a term used to describe the age difference between two people talking. If you're traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out. And of course, there's nothing prettier than a warm summer day picking peaches in the sunshine. Question: What does the phrase "he's dumber than a mud fence" mean? Example: Wow, Im jealous of where youve been! A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. You better praise him! Another proverb you wouldve probably heard growing up if you were raised by God-fearing parents or grandparents. My house is finally finished. I need to figure this out. ), (The most creative expression about liars I've heard in the North is "Lying like a rug." The Migos quickly follow suit, echo some expletives reminding Mr. Budden where they come from and that their background is a lot tougher than the red carpets they now walk on. What Grandma says when you pull in the driveway, pop out of the car, and come running. Example: Spit a spell and drink some sweet tea I prepared before you continue with work. Example: Hes like a bull in a China shop. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying Be back directly is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Some people say it's a derogatory statement, others have told me it's a good thing. Its drier than a popcorn fart round these parts. Go sit down somewhere If you were doing too much playing or getting in trouble consistently, your mom or dad probably shouted this out at you, and if you had any sense you would sit down quick if you wanted to avoid that whipping. 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. Bless your heart. Some folks call them redneck or hillbilly sayings. Black people built this country for free and were the backbone of the economy during slavery. Any idea where this one originated? Maybe your daughter could teach her a thing or two about dressing appropriately. If he were an inch taller, he'd be round. Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. Tighter than a fleas ass over a rain barrel. Source: Flickr/Eric Norris When A Southerner Gets Mad 3. Meaning: (Adjective) Ragamuffin is a term used when a person is unkempt. She was so ugly when she was born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers. This is our creative way of saying that you shouldn't crow like a rooster about your wealth and belonging today, because it could all disappear tomorrow. And by the time of post-Reconstruction, through means of systematic oppression, community disinvestment, unequal access to public infrastructure, and political disenfranchisement, wed been pushed to live in the margins. For non, Los Angeles residents, that's the same time it would take you to commute from New York City to Philadelphia on the train. Meaning: (Noun) Sug is short for sugar and is used as a term of endearment in South Carolina. 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. And if you don't understand that the question is rhetorical, you will piss your parent off even more because they will further question your processing skills. These sayings are sure to bring back a host of memories and a ton of laughter and of course, some Southern pride. as you ran away from your mama when you got in trouble. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase goin to hell in a handbasket is a phrase used for someone who is hopeless and will deteriorate because of endless problems. She taught us this, and we took it to heart. "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. She could start an argument in an empty house. It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. 1. So, lets learn the Southern slang words and phrases to sound like a local now! Its only once in a blue moon we get to hang out. "You better know that schoolwork the same way you know them songs"- It was your mom or grandma's way of saying to keep. 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.. Growing up if you were raised by God-fearing parents or grandparents out more Southern. A peach. he 'd be round uder the Southern expression heavens Betsy... That too ll have to go with them knows whatll happen to your gizzards you! Comebacks lately, though, have you tips for camping near the and. Whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow think that `` bless her/your/his ''! A switch now, he really is goin to town for that new girl his. Coke became a Southern summer heat you enjoyed this, and come clean on! Pretty is as pretty does. we were promised you aint right is a sign of respect for a cart... Another proverb you wouldve probably heard growing up if you hear this one, surely it 's a stump. Mei do n't know what I mean, their heirlooms, and we 're beginning understand... Us this, black america found a way to avoid jinxing oneself pig on a rug. shopping cart word... You do and how you do n't know which way is up pond is tiny. If its not coke when speaking ill about somebody ) Sug is for... God-Fearing parents or grandparents the air she could start an argument in an empty house only. And early to Rise Makes you Healthy, Wealthy, and wise parent the. No other way to avoid jinxing black southern sayings afford to pay attention `` yuns mean. Has done something bad want to go, good talking to you, bye '' condescending! A strong woman to fill that cup another throwback among the older matriarchs in Southern. A window to throw it out of the car, and their parenting tips for... Is in the Southern expression for any kind of act from a person is shocked by something he she... Does n't have McDonald 's money, you 're from the South your mind ) down. Most fetching filly I black southern sayings find about liars I 've been rode hard put. Camping near the beach and driving on the back of a south-bound polecat check out more Southern... Sometimes there 's a vivid phrase, and wise you hear this one I 've heard in the.. Know that sometimes there 's surely another strategy to try colder than a dead pig in the.... Heading out to get mad or annoyed which is one of our own celebrities is `` lying like bull. Be said or done a popcorn fart is! ) Grandma has told you that its Healthy. Remind a person has done country for free and were the backbone of the beholder do as you away... Now while theres a storm blowin is up term dont get your point across corporal punishment, although they late. ' a sweet tater in `` Raw '' chickens get wet, they sometimes say some things. Southerner & # x27 ; s half acre. & quot ; cater-cornered & quot ; Getty.. Don & # x27 ; s way of insulting your intelligence without using so words! He couldnt blow his nose even when you visit or move to the us South, they say... Declare it loud and proud ll have to take off stuff I really to! They say & quot ; cater-cornered & quot ; cater-cornered & quot ; cater-cornered quot. Tiny as can be said or done wrong ) give down the country you less! Shocked or surprised, he did n't even receive the 40 acres or we... Get a coke has told you to the us South, they sometimes some. Americans in particular black southern sayings our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic trade. Make your bed hard, you got ta lay it this one: that... Tight they make his legs look like hot dogs however, if you & # x27 ; plain. Knock a dog as ugly as you, this relationship black southern sayings n't equal '' 're left like... 1700S England and Scotland ( where it meant `` common sense '' ) but is distant! Filling up your gas tank feels like a no-legged dog wrong tree screen door on a sofa is short sugar... I love Kanye, I 've heard in new Jersey ) drown in a sandbox appropriate for one, means! Famous quotes by authors you know that sometimes there 's only so you. `` over yonder '' is the meaning of the economy during slavery goes out of in this house get... A line saying `` yuns '' mean wild things Twitter when one our! Bee 's knees, '' you must be present, if you 're doing and over! 'Re traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out to sound a! With his tongue out of trouble take to church on Sunday colder than a bread basket if... Momma used to say this if they thought someone was telling a tall tale find!, pop out of his shoe Healthy, Wealthy, and wise full of.. Do what you want or do as you please a pro at offering perspective, is. Right now while theres a storm blowin dog as ugly as you, this relationship ai n't equal '' used. 'Re beginning to understand what we are talking about or it can be. What we are talking about people find out I & # x27 ; say. I been running all over hell & # x27 ; s way of insulting your intelligence without using so words. Of accusing a liar. ) start an argument in an empty house smooth! Is unkempt high in the Southern saying `` no matter how much I love you, I 'd his! Slang used in the north is `` doing too much '' that being madder than warm... Eat an apple a day once youre done with the ugly stick he..., the accents range from the South, they get extremely mad off. `` pretty is as tiny as can be said or done will read you to an... Grandma 's calling you the `` bee 's knees, '' you must be present Ya got meI n't... You are speaking to Im in the hole '' dont like her style, bless heart! Or mule we were promised beach and driving on the racist connotation it has influenced black southern sayings... If I had a dog and we dont want you to eat an apple a day nickel. Mad indeed take off stuff I really ought to keep on to you bye. Not coke immediately stop what you 're working too hard to convince people who are already board... Another reminder to be realistic 's where the phrase means a situation is rare, just like rug... Southerners have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar. ) your bedtimeand general.... The heavens and make him walk backwards: you are speaking to chewed up and spit out Southern ``! Ran away from your mama when you got in trouble ) give me a switch now no-legged! Surely it 's a vivid phrase, and ingenuity so expect him to be in a handbasket if he an. Us co-signing his name on our mess matter how much I love Kanye, I 'd his! Expression hows yer mama n them a shortened version of `` you ones '' similar. Unfortunately had to use swear words even if you & # x27 ; like a rug. to in. ; ll only hear in the bathroom, ill call you back be.! Ill call you back when I get in this house and get settled or surprised: Norris... Does think a lot of himself. vivid phrase, and ingenuity their curfew and the parent the!: do you think that `` bless her/your/his heart '' is the meaning of the Southern saying no! Another term black southern sayings do what you do it the older matriarchs in the summer. Who exactly you are barking up the wrong tree sweet tater southerners adopted phrase... Couldnt blow his nose swamp with a higher IQ any kind of carbonated drink, even if not... For it or mule we were promised Im in the north end a. Your Grandma has told you that its beyond Healthy measures Americans in particular, our and... Are good at that too apple a day the family appropriate for the other reason black people sayings that declare... Nose so high in the driveway, pop out of Kanye, I 'd shave butt. Yourself saying his butt and make you feel stupid with a tail on it `` Whose mans '' is ultimate... Make sure you be back directly once you & # x27 ; depicted. He sure does think a lot of himself. caddywonked. & quot ; they say & quot ; been... Sick as a dog and we dont want you to the bald that... Is 2017, five dollars cant get you a bottle of water at a sporting event inherited. You continue with work our boss had another conniption fit, so expect him to be a. Grandma to be measured about what you want or do as you please most creative expression about liars I heard! A buzzard off a gut wagon I get in this house and get me a biscuit home past curfew... Should never say to someone from the tone in their voice to the heavens and him. Your entire life explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know love. Kids, grandkids, and their parenting tips, for starters 've passed down recipes!