The South is a part of the United States that has a phenomenally diverse and rich set of cultures that combine under the term, ‘Southern’. But while each of these states might have its own unique cultures, the world sees the South all as one group. While this might be a bit of an unfair stereotyping, it cannot be denied that there are many phrases, colloquialisms, and swear words that are used by Southerners across states. If you plan on visiting these hospitable and colorful parts of the United States, you might want to get acquainted with the dialects.
Arent You Precious
Reckon
Southerners can often be heard using the word “reckon”, which might lead some to wonder if they are using it the way that most English speakers do. While this term is not particularly complicated, it does take some time to get used to hearing it. Basically, when a Southerner asks you if “you reckon”, they want to know what your thoughts are regarding a subject. Someone could ask you, “Do you reckon Mike forgot about our fishing trip” if Mike happened to be incredibly late before you all set off for your big holiday.
Reckon
Over Yonder
As you can imagine, the South is a huge stretch of land that contains many states. As a result of this astonishing size, plenty of tourists (and locals) will easily get lost. You would then have to stop and ask for directions from, say, a Louisiana native. They would then point you in the right directions, saying that your destination is “over yonder”, which basically means “over there”. Of course, this isn’t very precise guidance, but at least it gets you started in the right direction!
Over Yonder
See To Christmas
What on Earth could this next phrase mean? Is someone suggesting that you should take care of the holiday preparations? Not exactly. The term “see to Christmas” is a rather humiliating one for the person it is directed at. You see, contrary to the stereotypes of an immodestly dressed girl in cutoffs and a tank top, many Southern women are actually very fussy when it comes to dressing properly. If a woman shows too much leg, someone might say that they can see all the way to Christmas…
See To Christmas
Being Ugly
You might be familiar with this next phrase. Southerners take manner and courtesy very seriously, and aren’t shy to reprimand someone for being rude or ungracious, whether it is a son or a manager. If someone says that you are “being ugly”, they mean that you are speaking or behaving in an antisocial or crude manner. Of course, they don’t mean that you look ugly, but rather that your manners are disagreeable. Strangely, good manners aren’t called “pretty”.
Being Ugly
Sweating More Than A Sinner In Church
The only thing more famous than the heavy accents of Southerners is the sweltering heat that they have to contend with. It makes sense that there are many ways for these sunny folks to complain about summer’s harshest days. One of them is to say that they are “sweating more than a sinner in church”. You probably know that the Southern states are deeply religious, and that wrongdoers might feel rather nervous when surrounded by such pious folks.
Sweating More Than A Sinner In Church
Pretty As A Peach
While most people might not think of fruit as a suitable object to compare a pretty person to, the term “pretty as a peach” is one of the most popularly used to highlight a woman or girl’s attractive presentation. This might have something to do with the thick rouge that females were so fond of in this part of the world at one stage. Although makeup trends have changed, this saying has stayed popular with Southerners.
Pretty As A Peach
Hissy Fit
A “hissy fit” is a common encounter for most people, where someone will lose their temper completely and throw an explosive tantrum. The term is mostly associated with women or little girls’ outbursts, rather than men, which isn’t very fair now. You might then associate the phrase with the hissing of a cat, but that would be surprisingly incorrect. Rather, “hissy” is a colloquial shortening of the term “hysterics”, which is when a person is upset to the point that they exhibit wild behavior.
Hissy Fit
Fixin’ To
No, no one is going to repair your microwave when they say they are “fixin’ to”. This is how Southerners express an intense craving or desire for something. For example, a famished person could say, “I’m fixin’ to drive down to KFC and get a few buckets!” Easy enough to understand, but you should keep in mind that the user could be talking about doing something now, or in the future. It can be quite tricky to tell the difference sometimes!
Fixin To
Too Big For Your Britches
Southerners are big on fashion, especially their local styles and brands. While many of the trendier folks will do their best to keep up with the latest trends, there are some clothing items that still get referenced, albeit not in the way that you might think. If a parent had to say that their child thinks that they are “too big for their britches”, they don’t mean that they’ve outgrown their clothes, but rather that they are under the assumption that they are older than they actually are.
Too Big For Your Britches
Full As A Tick
This next phrase is rather unappetizing, especially if you aren’t a big fan of ticks, or blood, for that matter. When a Southerner claims that they are “full as a tick”, they are comparing their perhaps uncomfortable stomach to that of a tick’s body after it has finished sucking the blood out of a host. You see, ticks swell up to a size that is far larger than their original form during this process. It’s a disgusting saying, but an effective one.
Full As A Tick
Hold Your Horses
You have probably heard this phrase, too. The term “hold your horses” comes from the days when Southerners used to ride horses rather than Mustangs and was probably inspired by the legendary cowboys. When a Southerner feels like someone is moving faster through a process than is wise, they might say, “hold your horses, Kevin, those wires are live!” While Southerners are infamous for being wilder than their northern neighbors, they also have their limits!
Hold Your Horses
If The Creek Don’t Rise
The saying “if the creek don’t rise” is used by people in the same way that a phrase like “God willing” is. Basically, if a person says that they will do something, provided that the creek don’t rise, then they will get it done provided that some unforeseen event stops them from doing so. A flooding creek or river will obviously stop a lot of water-based activities from happening, so it is a fitting setting to use as a disclaimer.
If The Creek Dont Rise
Yankee
You probably know enough about the United States’ history to recall the American Civil War. This was a terribly violent period in America’s warring past that lasted from 1861 to 1865. This was a conflict waged between the Southern and Northern parts of America over the continuation of slavery. The Southerners referred to the Northerners as “Yankees”. While this isn’t really a bitter term these days, it is an endearing one. You might also have heard Americans, in general, being called “Yanks”.
Yankee
Barking Up The Wrong Tree
You must have heard this phrase from either your parents or teachers growing up. While most English speakers will be familiar with the phrase “barking up the wrong tree”, did you know that Southerners invented it? Certainly, Southerners love keeping dogs as pets, and maybe one owner saw their naughty pooch barking up their delicate fig tree. They could have then decided to turn this irritation into a highly popular phrase meaning someone that is pursuing a disagreeable line of conversation or inquest.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree
Cattywampus
This is quite a strange word that we wouldn’t blame you for being unfamiliar with if you do not hail from the South. Certainly, the term is quite popular in places like Mississippi or Arkansas. So, what could it possibly mean? While it might sound like nonsense, if something had to be described as “cattywampus”, then it is probably in pretty bad shape. For example, if you and your friend had to build a bookshelf, and the books slid off when you put them on, then it, “turned out cattywampus”.
Cattywampus
Till The Cows Come Home
You have probably also heard this expression used before, and maybe by the older folks in your life. This phrase refers to a process that has an indefinite period of time to complete. For example, someone could say, “Sarah will keep playing that darned guitar ‘til the cows come home!” We wonder whose cows were drifting out in the wild and decided to coin the phrase! Certainly, if left to their own devices, cattle will take a long time to come back to the pen.
Till The Cows Come Home
No Bigger Than A Minnow In A Fishing Pond
You might not know it, but fishing is one of the South’s favorite activities, both professionally and recreationally. Of course, the stereotype of a Southerner hunting “gators” is a hilariously dangerous one, but they do appreciate the milder residents of their local rivers and lakes, too. If someone said that someone was “no bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond”, they mean that they are very tiny, given the size of these freshwater fish.
No Bigger Than A Minnow In A Fishing Pond
Three Sheets To The Wind
We now come to the alcoholic aspect of Southerners. Certainly, these folks are infamous for enjoying their “hooch”. Given how frequently people like to party and celebrate in these parts, it makes sense that they have a few sayings to describe someone that is ridiculously drunk. That is where the saying, “three sheets to the wind” comes in. This refers to the three sails on a ship that have been left to the mercy of the wind, or are out of control.
Three Sheets To The Wind
Madder Than A Wet Hen
Given that the South is made up of a lot of rural areas, it is appropriate that the locals came up with many sayings related to farming. To say that someone is “madder than a wet hen” means that they are uncontrollably aggravated. Although we are unfamiliar with poultry’s reaction to wet weather, we can imagine that any feathered creature wouldn’t take kindly to a heavy downpour. Keep your hens nice and warm inside, people!
Madder Than A Wet Hen
A Mind To
This is a saying that is similar to “fixin’ to”, but while fixin’ to implies that someone will do something, “a mind to” means that someone is simply thinking about doing something, albeit quite strongly. For example, someone might say, “I have a mind to finish my psychology degree one day.” It doesn’t necessarily mean that they will reenroll with their university, but rather it’s something that they have been considering or thinking about. Confusing, we know!
A Mind To
Piddle
We are all prone to procrastinating from time to time. But how often can we come up with a good term for wasting time? Introducing “piddle”, a term that means what it sounds like, to mess around. If a Southerner is ever found “piddling around” on the job, you can be sure that their boss will give them a serious tongue lashing. They say that Southerners love to take it easy, enjoying a beer on the porch or going on a long fishing trip.
Piddle
Happy As A Pig In Mud
While this is a phrase that Southerners love to use, we are sorry to say that the phrase “happy as a pig in mud” did not originate in a state like Texas or Mississippi. Nor did it come from America at all! Rather, the Brits are to thank for this hilarious expression, and you can thank their ancestors for it as it is hundreds of years old. The saying might be crude, but it means when someone is perfectly blissful.
Happy As A Pig In Mud
Dog Won’t Hunt
Humans and dogs have been working together to put meat on the table for hundreds of years, and some dog breeds are exceptional hunters. You might not think that a dog would ever be anything but excited to track down and kill a poor little critter. Sometimes, a person that is otherwise known for being incredibly committed to their craft just doesn’t feel like doing it. In this instance, someone might remark that the “dog won’t hunt”.
Dog Wont Hunt
If I Had My Druthers
You might not be able to appreciate this saying unless you have watched Lil’ Abner, which is a 50s Broadway musical that brought the phrase “if I had my druthers” back into popularity. But what could this phrase possibly mean? Well, it basically translates to something similar to “if I had my way”. For example, if someone was cross that they couldn’t take leave because their boss said they had to work, they might say, “If I had my druthers, I’d be halfway to Mexico by now!”
If I Had My Druthers
All Get Out
You might think that a Southerner using this term has grown sick of their company and wants everyone to go home. This is generally not the case, unless they have sorely misunderstood the meaning of “all get out”. This is an emphasis saying that is generally used to reinforce how strongly someone feels about something, or how intensely it is happening. For example, if someone kicked a table really hard by mistake, they might say, “my big toe is hurting like all get out!”
All Get Out
Gumption
“Gumption” is one of the most important qualities to possess for someone looking to rise higher in the military or a business. It is a kind of courage or confidence that Southerners greatly respect. If a boss had to justify why they promoted a certain employee, they might say, “She simply showed the right kind of gumption for the role.” Or, if a U.S. Army officer was particularly impressed with an act of bravery, they might say, “Picking up that grenade and throwing it back at the enemy took a lot of gumption.”
Gumption
I Declare
You must have heard this saying in old-timey films based in the South like Gone With The Wind where the nobler characters would use it to emphasize what they were saying. For example, if you were having dinner at a family friends’ house, and wanted to compliment their gumbo, you might say, “I do declare, this gumbo is the most delicious I have ever had!” This saying is similar to “I say”, which is more commonly used by fancy English folks.
I Declare
Living In High Cotton
Now, we are not sure whether this saying should be used, given the South’s history of slavery. You see, cotton was the main crop of Southern states, which slaves would work in terrible conditions picking. Regardless, the term “living in high cotton” means that one’s life is blissful or luxurious. For example, someone might say, “Since I got that promotion I’ve been living in high cotton”. Even if the saying might be innocent on its own, the context is quite troubling.
Living In High Cotton
Hush Your Mouth
This is quite a straightforward saying, and certainly one that you might have heard a variation of growing up, especially if you were an energetic child. “Hush your mouth” means what it sounds like, keep quiet! Southerners are stereotypically big on proper discipline for children, and that means controlling their tongues quite strictly. Many traditional Southerners believe that children should be “seen and not heard”. Kids would often be told to hush their mouths in church.
Hush Your Mouth
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
The Southern expression “cat on a hot tin roof” was popularized by the movie of the same name directed by Richard Brooks in 1958. The film was based on a Tennessee Williams story about a secretly gay man whose wife begins to grow suspicious of his strange behavior. You might then be able to guess what this saying means, which refers to a person that is behaving weirdly or anxiously. We feel sorry for the cat!
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
Stompin’ Ground
You might think that a “stompin’ ground” refers to a battlefield or a boot camp, or maybe a sports field? Well, all of these places would work for the saying’s context, if they happened to be your favorite spots in the world. You see, a stompin’ ground is simply a place where you love to be, particularly in the whole world. Think of it like “home is where the heart is”. This is where you feel the most comfortable, relaxed, and happy.
Stompin Ground
Can’t Make A Silk Purse Out Of A Sow’s Ear
You might be wondering why anyone would ever think of making anything out of a pig, but pig’s leather is actually quite a popular clothing material! That is why people probably coined the term, as you really “can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, which refers to a person that is no good. While we try to see the best in people, sometimes an individual cannot be transformed into a professional or a respectable gentleman.
Cant Make A Silk Purse Out Of A Sows Ear
You Can’t Carry A Tune In A Bucket
This is another mean saying that refers to a person’s inability to sing well. If you had to try out for a choir, and the choirmaster looked at you and said, “You can’t carry a tune in a bucket”, then you can be sure that you have absolutely no hope of winning American Idol. While we would never refer to a person as a bucket, sometimes you need the brutal truth! Just don’t stop singing in the shower.
You Cant Carry A Tune In A Bucket
There’s More Than One Way To Skin A Cat
You might not want to use this term around your vegan friends or family members. While Southerners are not fans of animal abuse, they do love this saying. “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” is a rather dark way to suggest that there is more than one approach to any given situation. It helps to be reminded that a seemingly hopeless situation can be remedied with a bit of creativity and ingenuity.
Theres More Than One Way To Skin A Cat
God Don’t Like Ugly
If a person had to say that “God don’t like ugly”, they don’t mean that the Almighty isn’t a big fan of unattractive people. Rather, it means that the big man upstairs frowns upon meanness, rudeness, and bad behavior. This is a great way to stop kids from misbehaving, as the only thing scarier than your parents’ wrath is the thought of God’s punishment! While we would never imply that God wouldn’t forgive someone for stepping out of line, this is a great way to get people to behave themselves.
God Dont Like Ugly
Cuttin’ A Rug
No, this isn’t a saying used by carpet sellers that pawn off chopped-up carpets. “Cuttin’ a rug” has a farm more festive meaning that refers to partying and music. Can you guess what it refers to? If you guessed that it has something to do with dancing then give yourself a pat on the back. Indeed, Southerners love to dance and have a good time, and if someone is cuttin’ a rug then they are dancing up a storm!
Cuttin A Rug
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Most English speakers will have used this term at some point in their lives, even if Southerners seem to be particularly fond of it. Maybe it’s because they love to go fishing so much? “Whatever floats your boat” means “whatever makes you happy”. People might not always like the same things, and just because you don’t like going for hikes, doesn’t mean that you should put them down for it! Let’s all be good to one another.
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Pot Calling The Kettle Black
We come across a lot of hypocrites in life, and one of the best sayings to use when you identify one is “pot calling the kettle black”. Let’s use the example of parents who smoke catching their kids smoking themselves. After giving them a severe talking to, a third-party observer might say that the pot was calling the kettle black. Of course, we can’t all be clean of hypocrisy our whole lives, but sayings like these are great for keeping us in check!
Pot Calling The Kettle Black
It Doesn’t Amount To A Hill Of Beans
Do you remember the emotional ending of the classic Hollywood film Casablanca? There is one line that is particularly relevant to this next saying. Ingrid Bergman gets a stern talking to by her lover, Humphrey Bogart, who says, “Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.” The particularly saying refers to an insignificant or inconsequential thing, person, or event.
It Doesnt Amount To A Hill Of Beans
Bless Your Heart
Now, you might think that this is a very sweet and heartfelt saying, and if someone said “bless your heart” you might just feel some warmth in your chest. But Southerners are known for being rather sarcastic, and if someone from this region had to say it to you, they might be expressing their irritation with you! It all depends on the context, so you might want to pause and reassess the conversation or situation the next time that you hear it from a Southerner.
Bless Your Heart
Heavens To Betsy
You might have heard your grandparents use this expression, especially when something surprises or shocks them. “Heavens to Betsy” is an expression of surprise, like “oh my gosh” or “good heavens”. But who is Betsy, and why did she become associated with this expression? We might never know, as there is no solid evidence or real-life historical figure that penned the term. Perhaps there was once a Betsy that lived a long time ago that was a particularly controversial figure?
Heavens To Betsy
I’m Finer Than Frog Hair Split Four Ways
This particularly wordy expression is a hilariously ironic one. Now, when you ask a Southerner how they are, they might respond with “I am well, thank you,” if life was going well for them. But if they were going through a particularly difficult period of their life, they might say that they are “finer than frog hair split four ways.” Given that frogs obviously don’t have hair, and even if they did, it would be impossible to split it four ways, a person using this expression is then certainly not feeling fine.
Im Finer Than Frog Hair Split Four Ways
I’ve Got A Hankerin’
If someone says that they have “a hankerin’” for something then they mean that they badly want or need it. Hankering is an informal term for longing or desire. While you might not hear someone say that they are hankering for the person that they are in love with, you would certainly hear Southerners say that they are hankerin’ for some fried chicken or collard greens. The world is taken from Dutch, having been translated from “hunkeren”.
Ive Got A Hankerin
I Might Could
This confusing Southern saying might not make much sense out of context, but if you ever had to use it properly, it would be incredibly effective. This saying is how Southerners respond to a question that they are unsure how to answer, or if they do not want to do something without being too committed to the response. For example, if your roommate asked you if you will do the dishes tonight, you might respond by saying “I might could” if you didn’t particularly feel like doing the chore.
I Might Could
It’s Blowin’ Up A Storm
Some Southern states are particularly severe weather conditions and even natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes! Southerners have then appropriately invented various sayings to warn each other of incoming storms, such as “it’s blowin’ up a storm.” A Southerner might use this expression if the sky started darkening and the wind began intensifying. There is nothing funny about this expression, as the United States is a country that has been hit by a terrifying variety of tragic and highly destructive natural disasters.
Its Blowin Up A Storm
Can’t Never Could
You might have heard many slightly annoying motivational quotes, and been told all manner of condescending expressions by people that felt you weren’t trying hard enough. But have you ever been hit with the Southern expression, “can’t never could”? While you might severely confuse Microsoft Word’s spellcheck with this phrase, it refers to how a person’s negative attitude will never get them anywhere. Basically, if you repeatedly say that you “can’t” do certain things, then you will never achieve anything.
Cant Never Could
Well, I S’Wanee
Some Southern sayings seem like they were invented by another language. That being said, you might be able to guess what “Well, I S’wanee” means. If you answered with “I swear” then you are a real language genius! That being said, “I S’Wanee” originated in Northern England in one of its incredible dialects, and the true meaning translates to “I shall warrant (you).” It is amazing to see how many “Southern” expressions have British origins!
Well I SWanee
Worn Slap Out
Some words should never be strung together as they seem too weird to make any kind of sense. That being said, “worn slap out” refers to a state of exhaustion. While most people might say that they are “worn out” after a long day of work or physical exercise, Southerners had to add the word “slap” to the correct English saying to add emphasis. You might hear this expression in the South more frequently when the heat gets particularly intense.
Worn Slap Out
Busier Than A Moth In A Mitten
Southerners love to make expressions out of natural processes, and we all know how much moths love a good closet. If someone said that you were “busier than a moth in a mitten” then they are obviously remarking on how hard you are working. Did you know that moths don’t eat our clothes? It is actually the larvae that they lay in our favorite coats that do the munching. It is good to know that the offspring of all creatures are mischievous!
Busier Than A Moth In A Mitten