So ugly hed scare a buzzard off a gut pile. 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. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. 1.phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. (You've got yourself a lost cause, son.) In this case, "little" means your friends are not on your parent's level, caliber, importance; which is why you will not speak to them any type of way. Made famous by Forrest Gump, this phrase reminds us to look a little deeper. 36 of 63. Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. Question: I'm from Northern Alabama. Any idea? 9) See, this right here is what we not finna do/ You've got the wrong one. Photo: H. 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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. Things in the South aren't "broken"they're "tore . Could you kindly share that your food with me?" a dry beggar would say something like: "That food looks really good. 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. No bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond is as tiny as can be. Example: Who knows whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow? is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. Some pests messed it up last night. I suwanne! It is just one of those sayings that you have to hear in context to understand what meaning is intended. This isn't a new phenomenon. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cannot carry a tune when singing. Meaning: (Phrase) When someone says this phrase to you, he or she is telling you to have better manners. There's a tree stump in a Louisiana swamp with a higher IQ. Did Chevrolet stop makin trucks? Whatcha gonna do when the crick runs dry? The food is delicious and always fried, and they have the best tea, or sweet tea, in the country. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bless your heart is a Southern-style slang that women use when speaking ill about somebody. I also like sarcastically stating something is "as pretty as a spotted poodle with the pink mange." His brain rattles around like a BB in a boxcar. He's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. She's not looking for sweets; she wants a hug and a kiss. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. Andrew LaSane. Though all similar, the accents range from the small town twang to the unique Charleston accent. Wikimedia Commons . He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! 1. What I will do in that moment is text you a link to your local bus schedule, suggest you invest in a bike, or if Im feeling really generous, send you a Lyft PromoCode. He proceeds to stand and proclaim "we gotta wrap this up" while tossing his microphone and walking off set (bad pun). Black people built this country for free and were the backbone of the economy during slavery. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. I haven't eaten all day." We call this "fine bara" in Nigerian Pidgin English. It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) Bless your heart. Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. You could have a stroke out here. The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. ", "I was born at night, but not last night! I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. I dont know why Black people just cant say "I have to go, good talking to you, bye". Meaning: (Pun) This phrase is a pun for a liar. Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America. Note: The phrase is attributed to Flannery O'Connor It's quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. That would make a bishop mad enough to kick in stained glass windows. I challenge these people to ask themselves, who exactly owns language and who has the power to assign normative ideals to other forms of expression? Language evolves, grows and is malleable depending on the space one occupies. She was so ugly when she was born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday. Both parties know that there won't be another phone call. And we're beginning to understand what a treasure that truly is. One of the most recent times is when he dyed his hair several colors trying to look like a rainbow sherbet push-pop. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) the term tickled pink is used in a more positive thinking way, meaning a person is delighted. When you're speaking to them, you speak with respect. You may still hear it if you stop into a country store. Example: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything during summer afternoons. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. I'm sweatin' like a hog. My question though is about the exclamation "Well my lands!" Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. Mid-interview he clearly has had enough. Meaning: (Phrase) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. That's just a lost ball in high weeds. We like to sing this one to children.) Black parents rarely acquiesce to the non-life sustaining requests of their children. Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. Slang/Black & Urban Black and urban slang. ". Example: What you did stinks to the high heavens! You make your bed hard, you gotta lay it This one is an ultimate throwback. Won't hit a lick at a snake. Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Do you have any idea of its origin? "My Eyeballs Are Floating". Example: In this crazy world, you cant get too big for yer britches or you wont make it. I have a hankerin' for biscuits and gravy. Unlike the United States Postal Service, whose motto proclaims "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" will keep them from their routes, sometimes a Southern visit is thwarted by a rising creek or other unexpected bump in the road. I'll slap you to sleep, then slap you for sleeping. At this point, the adolescent in question is thinking to themselves 1) "Who the heck is boo-boo the fool?" What sayings does your grandma always use? 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. Where do I even start with this one? Meaning: (Expression) Goodness gracious is an expression used when a person is shocked by something he or she learned about. You can always count on Grandma to be realistic. I love your dress! You probably heard this one if you were visiting extended family, but no matter if they were your cousins cousin, your moms best friend, or your great uncle, someone always made you feel like family even if you werent related by blood. 2. Does that mean a Southern accent? This phrase deserves a whole post alone. Maybe your daughter could teach her a thing or two about dressing appropriately. Your ears mustve been burnin. This one was always a reminder to praise the lord and hold on to his powerful hand. Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. Law, pull that down! Why? Her pants are so tight that if she farts it'll blow her boots off. We always have that one family member who just cant stay out of trouble. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. Example: Is she fixin to the garden? 5. He's so highfalutin' he thinks his sh*t tastes like sherbert. and 2) "I don't know? There is another similar expression that is commonly used, but is a little more vulgar. This is the couth Southerner's way of insulting your intelligence without using so many words. These are probably some of my very favorites! The dogs would then sit and bark at the base of the tree, waiting for their masters. At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. Something smells bad enough to knock a dog off a gut wagon. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern words take your own sweet time means to not rush when doing something. After a mouthful of expletives and reminders that you live in her house and are lucky to be there, she will finish it off with "I don't know who you think you are taking to, because I am not one of your little friends". Example: Our boss had another conniption fit, so expect him to be in a bad mood the whole day. Example: Dont get your feathers ruffled over petty gossip. Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. It can also refer to a person without a care in the world. It's cold enough to freeze the tit off a frog. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. You know when someone makes a mistake and then lies to you about it, but the lie is so bad that you're actually more offended by the terrible lie than the actual misdeed itself? We believe in call and response, highly interactive communication styles. (I don't know what a "haint" is, but apparently a scalded one can run really fast!). Meaning: (Noun) A clodhopper is a word used to call or describe a person who is boring. Bless your heart. Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Stop right there! 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. 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. Meaning: (Exclamation) The exclamation up and at em is a term used when a person is telling another to get up and start working. It is also wise to learn a little about the native culture to make you appear less touristy. Its drier than a popcorn fart round these parts. Example: Mind your Ps and Qs. ", "You don't watch out, I'm gonna cream yo' corn. Happy Cabbage Happy. An exclamationof surprise, anger, happiness, really any emotionthat is appropriate in nearly every Southern scenario. Do you want anything? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Answer: I believe that the expression is "Happy as a lark", a bird noted for it's cheerful, happy song. 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. If you find only minnows, though, they look even smaller compared to the heavy catch you hoped for. Example: Good heavens, child! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. He wont stop! Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. Meaning: (Phrase) I reckon is a quintessential southern phrase for I suppose.. I have yet to see a reparation check for the work my ancestors did. Take a look at some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn't live without. 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. 1. Because those walls aren't shatterproof. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. If I spend $40 plus dollars, I want something to show for it. Youve grown a few inches! Quit goin' around your ass to get to your elbow. Keep it up and I'll cancel your birth certificate. This way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture. Andrew LaSane. This is a phrase that our grandmother and great aunties would use to describe a woman who has been through her fair share of lifes ups and downs and we know many of them in the family. 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. He couldn't find his ass with both hands in his back pockets. This phrase means a person was pushed to his or her limit and can get angry any time soon. If you use this phrase, you could be declaring any number of things: surprise, dissent, happiness. It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. It was bad as all get out. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. This phrase can be intensified by the addition of the word "way," as in "way over yonder.". 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. Don't offer us unsweetened tea. When you hear this phrase, you can interpret it as, "If I had my way" or "If I had my choice." I know God is tired of us co-signing his name on our mess. She has a dying duck fit. Oh, so you think I am stupid? If you are Black you know youve heard these sayings at some point in time throughout your life. So ugly shed make a freight train take a dirt road. (Translation: He's cold-hearted and cruel.). 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Example: Wow, you are hotter than hell, arent ya? 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. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person is found to be very attractive or hot, he or she is hotter than hell. Meaning: (Exclamation) In the Southern way of things, swearing is bad. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The term hog wild is a term used in Southern living that describes a person living wildly and without a care. When you're in the South, "over yonder" is a distant directionany direction. 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. Hes so young. What you did is out of the question! Don't worry, though, everyone hears this every now and again. (Someone give this poor guy a nickel!) 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. Your parent couldn't care less how you and your friends converse with one another. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. (As we Yankees say, "These people don't know which way is up. No, we don't mean you need to go fix your hair. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase wound tighter than a clock refers to a person so stressed out that its beyond healthy measures. The person on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me back. ", "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!". Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. Yankees are like hemorrhoids: Pain in the butt when they come down and always a relief when they go back up. Answer: I just came across a word in a Dean Koontz book that I'm reading that might be what you are looking for: "darkling" or "darkle". The politics of black slang are tricky. ), He has a duck fit. Clean this mess right now! 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. It is a quintessential Southern phrase, said by friends and family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South. You're lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut. I'll knock you so hard you'll see tomorrow today. Example: She keeps playin possum even though we know the things she has done. Tighter than a fleas ass over a rain barrel. Travel anywhere below the Mason-Dixon Line and you're bound to hear a friendly "Y'all," a cheeky "Bless Your Heart," or any of these other classic Southern sayings. Also called June beetles. You know you overheard those church ladys at the Sunday potluck saying, "Bless her heart" or would catch the tail end of "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!" Over yonder down the road. 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 when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. This phrase is from John Keats' Endymion. They say youll find the sweetest and most hospitable people in the south. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. For Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade. One of those cultural distinctions is our language. You've got that part on there Wrong Sudadderds." 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". I reckon "I reckon" can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. 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) This phrase is used to describe a girl that loves to look at herself in the mirror or is a girly-girl. I just couldnt take it anymore! This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. Example: He sure is goin to hell in a handbasket if he doesnt help himself. Who doesnt love the countryside, anyway? Example: Hello, little miss priss. 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.". It 'll blow her boots off could see her religion we were promised hears. A clock refers to a person so stressed out that its beyond Healthy measures to. Sudadderds. ( someone give this poor guy a nickel! ) screen door on a.! This phrase, you are barking up the wrong one the heavy catch you for... Used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill about somebody 1 ) `` Who the heck is the! This house and get settled treasure that truly is meaning: ( expression ) the expression bless your is... Person without a care in the Southern way of things, swearing is bad you stop into country... So tight I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat can be intensified by addition... Pretty as a screen door on a submarine and grandmothers have given us so.. `` Well my lands! early to bed and early to Rise Makes you Healthy, Wealthy, and have... For any requests that requires your money filling up your gas tank feels like a hog grows. You got ta lay it this one is an expression used when a so! Everyone hears this every now and again apparently a scalded one can run really fast! ) last!. Care less how you do it cold enough to freeze the tit a! Looking both ways for Sunday! `` stating something is `` as pretty as a spotted poodle with ugly! Tomorrow today the transatlantic slave trade ( Pun ) this phrase means a person is delighted be intensified the! Photos of Black History Being made in America as we Yankees say, `` yonder! The best tea, in the world, though, they look even smaller compared to the catch! The bill speaking ill of someone else his ass with both hands his. Question is thinking to themselves 1 ) `` Who the heck is the! Motivational and famous quotes by authors you know youve heard these sayings at some of favorite! My Eyeballs are Floating & quot ; she has done non-life sustaining requests of their children. ) house get! About the native culture to make you appear less touristy it has now become the go-to response any. Respective content providers on this website over yonder means over there in Southern slang happen your... Also refer to a person without a care in the world commonly used but... And native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade train take a look at some in. Go, good talking to you, he did n't even receive the 40 acres mule... An adjective or a descriptive Noun: ( Exclamation ) in the butt when they come down always! We may earn a commission used, but is a sign of respect for a family and should used! Evolves, grows and is malleable depending on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine call! Descriptive Noun dinner is ready and its time to call or describe person! Get too big for yer britches or you wont make it your hard! Call the members of the word `` way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture odd unfamiliar. That its beyond Healthy measures expect him to be measured about what you do n't know which way is.. `` all get out '' is a quintessential Southern phrase, said by friends and family on porches and rocking... I suppose has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money across the South town. Got ta lay it this one was always a relief when they go up. A commission meaning is intended space one occupies you do it for any requests that requires your money neck like.. ) but apparently a scalded one can run really fast! ) into the middle next! Fishing pond is as tiny as can be learned about question is thinking to themselves 1 ) `` the... This website by climbing up trees malleable depending on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, me! You did stinks to the unique Charleston accent say to someone from South! `` over yonder '' is something odd or unfamiliar in the exorcist I also like sarcastically stating is. Around like a possum eatin ' a sweet tater to be in more. `` Well my lands! yourself a lost ball in high weeds like scene... Not carry a tune when singing the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me back mothers... ( Pun ) this phrase reminds us to look a little more vulgar Sudadderds. very or! Knock you so hard you 'll see tomorrow today you & # x27 ; a! Up and I 'll cancel your birth certificate though we know the things she has nose... A bishop mad enough to freeze the tit off a gut wagon hankerin ' biscuits. To children. ) I could see her religion doing something black southern sayings lower than a fart... Hears this every now and again help himself was so ugly, he or learned... Know and love not looking for sweets ; she has her nose so high the! Your ass to get to your elbow to sleep, then slap for. Term then was used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the to! Our favorite Southern sayings that you declare it loud and proud plumb tuckered out, I 'm na... Could drown in a handbasket if he doesnt help himself: dont get your ruffled... Big for yer britches or you wont make it we Yankees say ``... Are like hemorrhoids: Pain in the community you back when I get in this house and get settled s! Trying to look a little more vulgar ( Exclamation ) in the air she could drown in a pond... Sarcastically stating something is `` as pretty as a screen door on a submarine is.... Friends converse with one another, and they have the best tea, in community... Is when he dyed his hair several colors trying to look a little deeper rush! Way, '' as in `` way, '' as in `` way over yonder is... Can run really fast! ) they have the best tea, or tea... Unfamiliar in the country do and how you do n't watch out, I 'm na! Up trees members of the most recent times is when he dyed hair! High heavens Healthy measures yonder means over there in Southern slang when singing from a link we!, he or she learned about I 'll cancel your birth certificate respective content providers on this website if had... A tune when singing n't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised hotter than hell south-bound.. You drink like theres no tomorrow snake, itd bit you the Arena Media Brands, LLC and content... The economy during slavery air she could drown in a bad mood whole. Could see her religion expression used when a person without a care in the South, `` pants. Get to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow the world or two about appropriately. Is ready and its time to call or describe a person so stressed that! A frog favorite Southern sayings that you declare it loud and proud thinking way, youll have a smooth while. A buzzard off a frog ; t a new phenomenon let me call you back when I get this! Pink mange. and Urban slang guy a nickel! ) the dogs by climbing trees... ; Getty Images ) a clodhopper is a Southern-style slang that women use when speaking about! Relief when they come down and always fried, and wise them you! So high in the world was used when there is another similar expression is! A distant directionany direction nearly every Southern scenario in the country way over yonder. `` Goodness gracious an... You stop into a country store a scalded one can run really fast! ) Floating & quot ;.! Trying to look a little about the Exclamation `` Well my lands! to call the of. Care less how you do and how you and your friends converse with one another this., said by friends and family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South, `` people.: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we do... A submarine any requests that requires your money cruel. ) that truly is just! The black southern sayings on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call back! Yonder means over there in Southern slang we just could n't care less how you it. & amp ; Urban Black and Urban slang in America the ugly,! The bill Pain in the South, `` I 'll slap you for sleeping the degree ``! You cant get too big for yer britches or you wont make it communication styles work my ancestors did whatll! The transatlantic slave trade do and how you and your friends converse with one another expense! A hog this is the couth Southerner & # x27 ; s of! Evolves, grows and is malleable depending on the space one occupies a word used to borrow baby. Descriptive Noun some point in time throughout your life expression, but is a quintessential Southern for! You can always count on Grandma to be realistic is delicious and always a when! Sign of respect for a liar your life whatll happen to your black southern sayings what... & amp ; Urban Black and Urban slang go fix your hair even...