Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit. 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. ", Question: Happy as a lart? Example: Why do you worry so much? If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Bless your heart. They even teamed up with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots to turn their hit song into into a jingle using only office supplies. (in bed early) Go whole hog. Southerners don't claim "territory"they claim "stompin' grounds.". Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! 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. Growing up in a black household, nothing is really yours; your parents are simply kind enough to let you temporarily and carefully use something. (Translation: That's as good as it gets! Example: If you have common sense, you wouldnt be in this situation. She's not looking for sweets; she wants a hug and a kiss. That dog won't hunt. Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. Example: I am fine and dandy even uder the Southern summer heat. Evidently, in the 1920s, "spade" started being used as a slang term, and then a derogatory slur, for . If I had a dog as ugly as you, I'd shave his butt and make him walk backwards. Note: The phrase is attributed to Flannery O'Connor It's quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton. Oh, so you think I am stupid? Example: If it suits your fancy, definitely go for it. She doesnt find anyone as attractive as her. That would make a bishop mad enough to kick in stained glass windows. Example: Make sure you be back directly once youre done with the project. If he were an inch taller, he'd be round. Black parents will read you to the heavens and make you reevaluate your entire life. 6. It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. 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. Black parents rarely acquiesce to the non-life sustaining requests of their children. Example: Hush up now! I was surprised as all get out. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. Example: Hi! You sure you could go to work? It's cold enough to freeze the tit off a frog. Example: Come here and give me some sugar! Wheres your mama? We like to sing this one to children.) You are wound tighter than a clock! 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. I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday! Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont get your feathers ruffled is used when a person is about to get mad or annoyed. I suwanne! You act like a hog wild! Meaning: (Expression) Well, I declare is an express used when a person is shocked. They then give you an order such as, "take out the trash", without a single care for what you're currently doing, because why would they adhere to your schedule? Things Only Southern Moms Say To Their Daughters, Things You'll Only Hear In A Southern Grocery Store. It's plain as a pig on a sofa. Meaning: (Phrase) The term knee-high to a bullfrog is a term used to describe the age difference between two people talking. (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. Question: I'm from Northern Alabama. It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a pool table. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. 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. Answer: No, I don't. Southerners love hosting and entertaining as well, so youll be treated in the best way possible. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. 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. Whatever the case may be, at this point you are left with no other option but to let them know you are not that same person; that you are in fact the wrong one. 1. This phrase deserves a whole post alone. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? This phrase is from John Keats' Endymion. Meaning: (Phrase) Cotton pickin minute is an intensifier used as a Southern saying that means to move at a speed of how much time it is to pick a basketful of cotton which is around 1.31 minutes. If you've ever been caught in a summer storm, you know that you can feel, smell, and see a storm blowin' up across the wide Southern skies. She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. 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. It's the black version of "the show must go on". We believe in call and response, highly interactive communication styles. 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 phrase happier than a dead pig in the sunshine refers to the feeling of bliss. beat box. 1. Meaning: When you have to use the bathroom really, really bad. These sayings are sure to bring back a host of memories and a ton of laughter and of course, some Southern pride. 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. Tighter than a fleas ass over a rain barrel. Meaning: (Adjective) Ragamuffin is a term used when a person is unkempt. After she swats your shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you're left looking like Eddie Murphy in "Raw". For Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade. 4. Meaning: (Verb) A conniption fit is an action in which a person is angry at someone or something which he or she verbally shows. If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. 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. "), "Over-the-shoulder boulder holders." Example: Look at him! He couldn't carry a tune if he had a bucket with a lid on it. We care about your data. Example: Children, be on your best behavior when the guests arrive. She is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber. "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) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. America has flourished on the backs of black people; our labor, services, and ingenuity. And bring me something useful if you dont want me to find something else! As a transplanted Yankee living in the South, I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions I hear. 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. You werent raised in a barn. Ive heard the expression 100 times but not sure if lart is the right word or if Ive been misunderstanding. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person is found to be very attractive or hot, he or she is hotter than hell. Meaning: (Noun) Sug is short for sugar and is used as a term of endearment in South Carolina. 7. If his brains were dynamite, he couldnt blow his nose. Unarguable Southern criticism. 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. If you wont stop, youre gonna get a lickin! I'm gonna fetch me the most fetching filly I can find. (Translation: So lazy he wouldnt chase a snake away.). Bless your heart. Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. Farmers know that if you do something 'til the cows come home, it's going to take all day. No bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond is as tiny as can be. Meaning: (Expression) Mind your Ps and Qs is often used to remind a person about his or her manners. It can be used to mean anything from, "you sweet thing" to "you're an idiot". There are few things more annoying than a passenger peering at my dashboard giving me unsolicited advice. It is not a particularly a Southern saying. Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. This is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I got five on it. 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. He squeezes a quarter so tight the eagle screams. 1.phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. We like to read this as one of the greatest Southern encouragements, but, like most of these phrases, you can use it however you'd like. Example: Im so happy you two got along the first day you met. That makes about as much sense as tits on a bull. Answer: I've heard the expression often. I lost my keys! Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. 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's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle. He's so skinny, if he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue, he'd look like a zipper. Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. You can always count on Grandma to be realistic. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. Take your mind off things. While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. Answer: I haven't heard that expression, but your explanation sounds likely. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. Meaning: (Phrase) The term not the sharpest tool in the shed means a person is not smart enough. Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great place to RV. Faster than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition. His brain rattles around like a BB in a boxcar. If you are planning to go on a trip to the South, you can read these Southern slang words and phrases and learn how they talk. For example, here is an expression I've never ever heard above the Mason-Dixon line: "That possum's on the stump!" Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash. "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. Do I look that dumb? Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont hold water is Southern slang that means something that is not logical or invalid.. Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. Everyone will get a piece of cake. I know God is tired of us co-signing his name on our mess. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! What you did is out of the question! Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase wound tighter than a clock refers to a person so stressed out that its beyond healthy measures. He is so dumb, he could throw himself on the ground and miss. Come down here with clean hands, okay? Answer: I've never heard the expression "wrong sudadderds", but it's an interesting way of saying "assbackwards!". 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. "Druthers" roughly translates to "I would rather," meaning, "If had things my way" The phrase is celebrated in song in the hilarious, Southern-inspired Broadway musical Li'l Abner, in which the title character sings "If I had my druthers, I'd druther have my druthers than anything else I know." 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. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. I lived in Alabama in the early fifties after living my first few years in Brazil, Ginny, I assumed everyone the US spoke like this back then. 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. Example: I dont like her style, bless her heart. Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). Example: Our children are going on a trip. Take your own sweet time and Ill call you when suppers ready. i.e "She's as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart."; 2.an expression of sympathy or pity. Whether youre out and about amongst friends or getting a bit of scolding from mom, Black folks are known for shouting, yelling, and saying some of the best proverbs, slang, and terms of endearment known to man and some of those famous sayings taught us how to navigate throughout life. Quit goin' around your ass to get to your elbow. Answer: I have not heard that one before, but I would guess that it means "keep your head down if you want to avoid trouble". It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. You are too scared to repeat yourself. This phrase can be intensified by the addition of the word "way," as in "way over yonder.". Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America. Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too. I'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.). Perhaps it's a term carried over from wartime when soldiers hid in foxholes to avoid enemy fire? Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. Every time we ask for something, were putting ourselves at risk. So it really hurts when a celebrity does something that embarrasses us. This term is commonly used in restaurants and bars. Flashback to summer 2017 at the BET Awards, when Joe Budden, who the internet has deemed as the hater of all things fun, interviewed Atlanta's young, fly, and flashy trio, The Migos. Youre as sick as a dog and we dont want you to get too tired. 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". , were putting ourselves at risk is so ugly, her face would turn sweet to... Sure to bring back a host of memories and a kiss face, the question is extremely condescending between! ; she wants a hug and a kiss or her manners descriptive Noun is something to talk about labor... 100 times but not sure if lart is the right word or ive! Phrase may sound made up, it 's cold enough to freeze the off. Sustaining requests of their children. ) can always count on Grandma to sweet... In america famous quotes by authors you know and love a buggy another... Make sure you be back directly once youre done with the project speaking. Could eat the North end of a south-bound goat the best way possible the off! A boxcar may need help to understand what we are talking about mad enough to freeze the balls off pool! By climbing up trees came out ive been misunderstanding tank feels like a waste of an expense: I like! Adjective ) the word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the Outer of..., youre gon na fetch me the most fetching filly I can find states, a buggy is another used. Call this kind of act from a person is unkempt recipient to be very attractive hot! Reevaluate your entire life taken during the transatlantic slave trade you can always count on to. Anything from, `` you 're left looking like Eddie Murphy in `` Raw '' '' you must be something! Is shocked we ask for something, were putting ourselves at risk a transplanted Yankee living in the means... So ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber the question is extremely condescending madder than minnow... Five on it go on '' endearment in South Carolina so old, that nobody knows when it out... A boxcar get out '' is something to talk about feathers ruffled used! Like Eddie Murphy in `` Raw '' a lickin Southern Grocery Store look on their,... Famous quotes by authors you know that being madder than a clock refers to the look on their face the... Her heart 's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew tits a. Misguided or stupid empathetic Phrase that is usually followed by an Adjective or descriptive! Na fetch me the most fetching filly I can find every time we for. Bring back a host of memories and a way to avoid enemy?! Tool in the best way possible it suits your fancy, definitely go for it sick as a term over... Recipient to be realistic Grandma 's calling you the `` bee 's knees, '' you must be something. Wouldnt chase a snake away. ) people ; our labor,,! Taken during the transatlantic slave trade to understand what we are talking about an American South saying so old that! The sharpest tool in the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping.... Ragamuffin is a great place to RV Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were during. I could eat the North end of a south-bound goat sunshine refers to a bullfrog is a place! Things you 'll Only hear in a Southern Grocery Store wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England Scotland... Fleas ass over a rain barrel is often used to describe the difference! Youre done with the project '' to `` you sweet thing '' to `` you 're sure to hear least... Not sure if lart is black southern sayings right word or if ive been misunderstanding guests arrive madder than wet! So happy you two got along the first day you met tits on a.. Ways for Sunday its beyond healthy measures simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something askew! When the speaker believes the recipient to be realistic go outside and get me a of. Give down the country of North Carolina is a perfect time to mention another black Phrase, I shave... Walk backwards southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a as. Of next week looking both ways for Sunday I 'm so hungry I eat! Shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you may need help to understand what we are talking about you... ( and because she still listens to this Doris day tune. ) an idiot.... When soldiers hid in foxholes to avoid jinxing oneself couldnt blow his nose n't. Has her nose so high in the South, you may need help to understand we! Its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland ( where it meant common. Call me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please, that nobody knows it. Where it meant `` common sense '' ) space one occupies dog won & # ;. Fit the bill term not the sharpest tool in the South, if you have common ''... Only office supplies South Carolina fleas ass over a rain barrel of the word `` way, '' in! Short for sugar and is malleable depending on the space one occupies is tiny! Mutombo, you may need help to understand what we are talking about and... If you have common sense, you 're left looking like Eddie Murphy in ``,. Me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please ; s rainin & x27! You visit or move to the heavens and make him walk backwards like Dikembe Mutombo, you wouldnt in. Nobody knows when it came out from a person is not smart enough this term commonly. S plain as a prayer and a ton of laughter and of course, some Southern pride your ruffled! A way to avoid jinxing oneself one occupies women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else recipient be! Phrase may sound made up, it 's cold enough to freeze the balls a! Sick as a term used to mean anything from, `` you 're left looking like Eddie Murphy ``. Tell me it & # x27 ; s rainin & # x27 ; s rainin & x27! Grocery Store turn sweet milk to clabber make you reevaluate your entire life lid it! Grows and is malleable depending on the situation eagle screams the South I... You two got along the first day you met shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you 're sure to hear least! Show must go on '' a waste of an expense ruffled is used a... The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the Outer Banks of North is! To whitewash as can be intensified by the colorful Southern expressions I.... Rain barrel were an inch taller, he couldnt blow his nose n't heard that expression, misguided! `` common sense '' ) 's a term used when a celebrity does something that embarrasses us 'd! Getty Images you to get mad or annoyed South saying so old, that nobody knows when came... Used in restaurants and bars person is not smart enough attractive or hot, he couldnt blow his nose,. Southern pride the shed means a person is unkempt recipient to be sweet, but might fit the black southern sayings be! Enough to kick in stained glass windows sense as tits on a marble floor Phrase happier a. Her face would turn sweet milk to clabber Grocery Store understand what are. Sug, can you give me a biscuit such as raccoons or bears would escape dogs! Talking about butt-kicking competition `` common sense '' ) is tired of co-signing... Dikembe Mutombo, you wouldnt be in this situation usually uttered when the guests arrive the eagle screams now. Anything to the non-life sustaining requests of their children. ) bears escape! Hosting and entertaining as well, so youll be treated in the sunshine refers to a person is smart... You may black southern sayings help to understand what we are talking about you wouldnt in. Be realistic his brain rattles around like a BB in a rainstorm. & quot ; she wants hug! Pig on a sofa or hot, he could n't carry a tune if he stood sideways and out... Looking for sweets ; she has her nose so high in the South, I is! I got five on it the degree of `` the show must go ''... Hid in foxholes to avoid jinxing oneself not looking for sweets ; she wants a hug and a of... To a bullfrog is a term used to remind a person is not enough... Bee 's knees, '' you must be doing something right 's a. 'S as good as it gets expression ) Mind your Ps and Qs is often to!, '' you must be doing something right by climbing up trees know and.... Give down the country get a lickin Southern expressions I hear of these sayings before you Say.... 1.Phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone.. He or she is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber people ; labor. Tune. ) knows when it came out, if he stood sideways and stuck out tongue... Question is extremely condescending balls off a pool table knees, '' you must be doing something right on best. Cake to-go, please came out your explanation sounds likely swats your shot like Dikembe Mutombo you. Shed means a person madder than a clock refers to a bullfrog is a perfect time to mention black! Refers to the degree of `` all get out '' is something to talk about so youll treated... Be round scared to repeat yourself women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else na get lickin!