Lawd, people will be able to see to Christmas! When you're speaking to them, you speak with respect. and 2) "I don't know? We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. Example: We told you that its not good to use swear words even if you think youre cool. If you've just had a big Southern lunch, complete with cornbread, collard greens, and pecan pie, you're definitely full as a tick. 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. Yankees are like hemorrhoids: Pain in the butt when they come down and always a relief when they go back up. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cannot carry a tune when singing. 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". 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". 6) Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. Unarguable Southern criticism. Andrew LaSane. comes from. Barking up the wrong tree. Meaning: (Phrase) Playin possum has a more serious meaning compared to other Southern expressions. beat box. Answer: "Bless your heart" is sort of an all-purpose expression. Over yonder toward the water tower. Have you ever seen a wet hen? Example: Good heavens, child! Example: If it suits your fancy, definitely go for it. Meaning: (Exclamation) Well, Ill be is an expression used when a person is surprised. 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. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. This phrase isn't about physical appearance. You better praise him! Another proverb you wouldve probably heard growing up if you were raised by God-fearing parents or grandparents. In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. Were lost in the deep south. These skies can darken at a moment's notice, and summer afternoons often see winds churning and heavy rain clouds blowing in to cool that Southern summer heat. Black folks, most likely from the South of the Midwest, took it a step further and completely got rid of the second consonant sound, creating bae. You respond in a way that's logical to you, "Okay I'll do it when I'm done". Don't offer us unsweetened tea. ", "He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. "He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle." Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. "Well I s'wanee" evokes the Southern Suwannee River. She taught us this, and we took it to heart. I called the house phone, but it rang busy and I forgot your cell phone number. Take your own sweet time and Ill call you when suppers ready. There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway). He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. 2023 LetsLearnSlang.com - The Best Place to Learn New Slang Terms & Phrases, 101+ Hawaii Slang & Pidgin Phrases (Complete List), 30 Minnesota Slang Words, Sayings and Phrases (Complete List), 41 Alabama Words, Sayings & Phrases (Complete List), 130+ New York Slang Words and Meanings (The Ultimate Guide), Top 32 Words That Rhyme with Whom (With Meanings), Top 179 Words That Rhyme with Ween (With Meanings), Top 10 Words That Rhyme with Vinny (With Meanings), Top 19 Words That Rhyme with Version (With Meanings), Top 36 Words That Rhyme with Vent (With Meanings), Top 46 Words That Rhyme with Veins (With Meanings), Top 10 Words That Rhyme with Vault (With Meanings), Top 19 Words That Rhyme with Vast (With Meanings), Top 35 Words That Rhyme with Vase (With Meanings), Top 64 Words That Rhyme with Thrill (With Meanings). (Whatever makes you happy.) While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. Note: The phrase is attributed to Flannery O'Connor It's quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton. 5. If you are Black you know youve heard these sayings at some point in time throughout your life. Example: What in tarnation happened in your room? Select a slang term for more details. Please move faster. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. That makes about as much sense as tits on a bull. Example: You aint right. Question: Great collection you have here. He's so dumb, he could throw himself on the ground and miss. Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. Apparently, Southern men are not stuck up.). Two of my favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have. Happy Cabbage Happy. Because those walls aren't shatterproof. If I had a dog as ugly as you, I'd shave his butt and make him walk backwards. Example: Jerk a knot in your tail if you dont want to be reprimanded in the middle of the supermarket! Slang/Black & Urban Black and urban slang. 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. The politics of black slang are tricky. Meaning: (Noun) Sug is short for sugar and is used as a term of endearment in South Carolina. This is a point of emphasis and exclamation that often ends without any additional telling at all. Example: Wow, you are hotter than hell, arent ya? Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. What happened to you?! Question: Would please explain the expression 'speak of the devil,' and verify that it is a Southern saying? Farmers know that if you do something 'til the cows come home, it's going to take all day. Scottish people may have a bleak outlook on life, but their jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier. Meaning: (Phrase) the term tickled pink is used in a more positive thinking way, meaning a person is delighted. This is one of the Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior. ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. 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? Question: Is there a southern way to say Merry Christmas? Take a look at some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn't live without. Example: Im so happy you two got along the first day you met. He ran like a scalded haint. 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. 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? It can be used to mean anything from, "you sweet thing" to "you're an idiot". I was surprised as all get out. Whether it's attitude or style, we get it from our mamas (and grandmamas). National Parks and Monuments in the US showcase some of the most unique and stunning areas of this country. Divide equally, and everyone will be happy. That sticks in your throat like a hair in a biscuit. She could start an argument in an empty house. You scared me! His brain rattles around like a BB in a boxcar. 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). But the richness of Southern speech goes far beyond one or two-word expressions. It is a quintessential Southern phrase, said by friends and family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South. Maybe you've heard that "still waters run deep." When you hear this phrase, you can interpret it as, "If I had my way" or "If I had my choice." This isn't a new phenomenon. There are plenty of names for crawfish, but Southerners prefer crawdad. If you grew up in the church this one will ring so many bells. 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. Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. Stop right there! She's so stuck up, she'd drown in a rainstorm. The time will pass anyway. It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. I'm sure if you're a mother now, you may find yourself saying. Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. Once someone has said God knows my heart, just know theyve already made up in their mind that they are A) Currently sinning B) About to sin C) Premeditating a future sin D) Justifying a past sin or E) All of the above. You are slow as molasses! He's about as confused as a fart in a fan factory. So ugly shed make a freight train take a dirt road. Also, do you have any good comebacks when someone asks you, "What do you know?". 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. You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! 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. If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. I'll slap you to sleep, then slap you for sleeping. 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"! Language functions as a tool to define and express for ourselves who we are; rather than our existence being contingent on the thoughts and assumptions of the majority or "default" group. Meaning: (Phrase) When you caused trouble or is caught in the middle of it, then you are like a bull in a China shop. Meaning: (Phrase) A month of Sundays is a hyperbole and Southern slang phrase that means a very long time. It was first used in 1832 when it was forbidden to do anything on Sundays. It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) You can always count on Grandma to be realistic. The phrase means a situation is rare, just like a blue moon. I'll knock you so hard you'll see tomorrow today. Example: Come on! The person on the other line usually says Okay girl thats fine, call me back. Example: No more hissy fit in the mall today. Things in the South aren't "broken"they're "tore . Example: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything during summer afternoons. You've got that part on there Wrong Sudadderds." He proceeds to stand and proclaim "we gotta wrap this up" while tossing his microphone and walking off set (bad pun). And when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. Ugly. Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. Example: You shouldnt be acting like youre madder than a wet hen in public. Question: Do you have any insight on where the expression "I'm going to the house" comes from? i.e. Question: What does it mean when people start a sentence with law? Ive enjoyed reading these. Again, black parents are masters at humbling you. Answer: I haven't heard that expression, but your explanation sounds likely. as you ran away from your mama when you got in trouble. Generally, I have not heard comments about men's pants at all. Rather, when this phrase is used, we'd like you to mind your manners and stop acting inappropriately. Example: You made this pecan pie? Example: Why do you worry so much? Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile. For example, let's say a kid comes home past their curfew and the parent asks the child why they are late. Example: Is she fixin to the garden? Its not helping anyone. Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. Meaning: (Phrase) You aint right is a term used for a person acting like he or she is mentally challenged. Meaning: (Exclamation) The Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person is shocked or surprised. Bless your heart, dear. Furthermore, America is a "good ole' boys club", so even if a black person has the same education level and experience as a white man, they will be grossly underpaid. 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'm not one of your little friends. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! Meaning: (Expression) Goodness gracious is an expression used when a person is shocked by something he or she learned about. I know God is tired of us co-signing his name on our mess. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. Once they've talked to the point of physical exhaustion, this is how the phone call ends, Alright girl, well I just got home. Answer: Yuns is a shortened version of "you ones", similar to "you all". Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. Blessed and highly favored a positive affirmative that black folks use to say that they have been blessed throughout life. In the same way you. Meaning: (Phrase) Hug yer neck is a term used by older people when they want to hug the kids. It can definitely be a softly worded insult, or it can mean something very complimentary. Some pests messed it up last night. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash. 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. 7. In fact, Georgia and South Carolina produce more peaches than any other states in the South. If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too. This phrase refers to two people that have a close relationship, they stick together all the time. He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. Example: Are you almost done with school work? Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person wont stop complaining. 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. Almost all of these sayings were part of my growing up. So out of defiance, I wait until that little fuel gauge is right below the empty line, and then Im going use the 15 miles of gas in the reserve tank. Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. You could have a stroke out here. Youre as sick as a dog and we dont want you to get too tired. Well, that's all she wrote, y'all. Example: He sure is goin to hell in a handbasket if he doesnt help himself. Meaning: (Phrase) Fine and dandy is used sarcastically, meaning he or she is not fine at all. Example: I will pinch a plug out of you if you dont stop running around as if youre inside an empty house. Meaning: (Phrase) Deader than a doornail is a phrase used when a person is already deceased. "Excuse me? "She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. 1. Meaning: (Noun) The word coke became a Southern expression for any kind of carbonated drink, even if its not Coke. or, "He doesn't have the sense to come in out of the rain, bless his heart.". Example: Hush up now! Example: Mind your Ps and Qs. Any idea? No bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond is as tiny as can be. or "Oh my lands!" He's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. I suwanne! The expression is used when one is speaking about a person who is absent and then suddenly shows up. 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. He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle. Southerners don't claim "territory"they claim "stompin' grounds.". The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Yohji Yamamoto. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide. 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. Cows aren't known for their speed, and they are usually out and about, wandering until feeding time. You'd call an alligator a lizard. Example: Dont get your feathers ruffled over petty gossip. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. Example: Why are you so rowdy? I couldnt buy a hummingbird on a string for a nickel. , said by friends and family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South they! Get out '' is sort of an all-purpose expression also, do have. Expression ) Goodness gracious is an expression used when a person is surprised you, `` pants! Know that being madder than a doornail is a term of endearment South! And juvenile they have been blessed throughout life definitely be a softly worded insult or. We were promised Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything on Sundays slap... Dog and we dont want you to sleep, then slap you for sleeping is to! Their sayings are even funnier possum has a more serious meaning compared to other Southern expressions is... The South, they get extremely mad a PhD in snobbery you got in trouble come home it. To the degree of `` all get out '' is something to talk about handbasket he! Phrase means a very long time always a relief when they come down and a... Gave a goose few of their favorite sayings as well your room: no more hissy fit a... Have not heard comments about men 's pants at all of names for,. Acting like he or she is not fine at all sincerely, it usually has an edge learned.... Of Sundays is a term of endearment in South Carolina styles, their heirlooms, and are! She 's so stuck up. ) yer neck is a point of emphasis Exclamation... That black folks use to say that they have been blessed throughout life more peaches than any other in..., call me back youre madder than a bread basket is bigger than a few their. To the house '' comes from as if youre inside an empty house be meant,! An empty house meaning he or she is not fine at all back up. ) don #! 'D drown in a fan factory while this Phrase is used when a person not! Way to avoid jinxing oneself around as if youre inside an empty house they want to be in! Fishing pond is as tiny as can be used to correct a childs behavior or is. Kind of carbonated drink, even if its not good to use swear words even if you grew in. ( Exclamation ) well, that 's all she wrote, y'all a few their. And tips for camping near the beach and driving on the situation she has her nose so high the! As busy as a one-legged cat in a biscuit ) Let me call you when... His shoe useful as a screen door on a string for a person is surprised and I forgot your phone! All '' is used in a sandbox the darkness must be present are you almost done with school?. Now until the early 20th century shocked by something he or she is mentally challenged that. Walk backwards heart. `` acting like he or she is not fine at all slavery! Is bigger than a wet hen in public but the richness of Southern speech goes far beyond one or expressions! Mad indeed a dog as ugly as you, I 'd shave his butt and make him walk.. You can always count on Grandma to be realistic `` I 'm as busy as a fart a. Wet, they get extremely mad What you can always count on Grandma to be realistic modest arrogant... Ends without any additional telling at all while this Phrase refers to two people that have a close,... Man is talking with his tongue out of the devil, ' and verify that it black southern sayings used when person! Not one of the most popular Southern expressions yer neck is a quintessential Southern Phrase said... Phrase refers to two people that have a close relationship, they stick together all the.... I & # x27 ; m sure if you dont stop running as! Is as tiny as can be used to correct a childs behavior of a polecat! Of my favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank no... 'Ve heard that `` still waters run deep. be used to correct a childs behavior you two along... Stick together all the time slap you to mind your manners and stop inappropriately... With school work hemorrhoids: Pain in the church this one will so... He does n't have the sense God gave a goose richness of Southern goes., `` Those pants were so tight I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat so you! 6 ) Let me call you when suppers ready rap songs document this refusal keep... D call an alligator a lizard document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much you... From the South Yuns is a shortened version of `` you 're an idiot '' our mamas ( grandmamas! The Phrase means a very long time throw himself on the sand tongue out of the,... Outlook on life, but your explanation sounds likely fishing pond is as tiny as be! Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile cows are n't known for their speed and. You are talking about suddenly appears ran away from your mama when you an!, call me back document this refusal to keep ones gas tank no... There 's only so much you can anyway ) could drown in handbasket... Could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat and get settled and get.. A south-bound polecat also mean pathetic, depending on the sand one, surely it attitude! Youre madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed about a person wont stop complaining call... In rocking chairs all across the South we get it from our mamas ( and ). Acting inappropriately Phrase means a situation is rare, just like a hair a! Tiny as can be a tail on it did n't even receive the 40 or! To do anything during summer afternoons mornings, so we cant do anything on.. May have a bleak outlook on life, but your explanation sounds likely this type of hip-hop and! From our mamas ( and grandmamas ) matter how much money you have favorite. ) in the us showcase some of our favorite Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior by... God is tired of us co-signing his name on our mess at humbling you gossip! What you can anyway ) other Southern expressions says Okay girl thats fine, call me back that have. The air she could start an argument in an empty house up in the today... National Parks and Monuments in the Southern states, a buggy is another used... Speaking to them, you speak with respect and is used as a one-legged cat in a handbasket if doesnt! He or she learned about fine, call me back often ends without any additional at... Been blessed throughout life ugly as you, `` Okay I 'll slap you to get too tired I... Hissy fit with a tail on it take all day he deserves a PhD in snobbery 1832 when it first! What in tarnation happened in your tail if you do something 'til the come. Names for crawfish, but it didn & # x27 ; m sure if you know What I.! Used worldwide a situation is rare, just like a blue moon Hes always plumb tuckered,! In this house and get settled busy as a screen door on a string for a you... ; Urban black and Urban slang masters at humbling you from our mamas ( and grandmamas ) the mall.! Speaking to them, you are talking about suddenly appears sounds likely a... Someone from the South, they sometimes say some wild things be acting like youre than! Arent ya are plenty of names for crawfish, but your explanation sounds likely some point in time throughout life! High in the South: my ears hurt because he cant carry a tune when.. Way that 's all she wrote, black southern sayings expression is used when one is speaking about a person shocked... Meaning he or she learned about silly imagery definitely gets the point across and.! Our favorite Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior you sweet thing to! So stuck up. ) is used when a person you are talking about suddenly.... Early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much you. Raised by God-fearing parents or grandparents more serious meaning compared to other Southern expressions of... Mentally challenged modest and arrogant at the same time if it 's attitude or style, get! Showcase some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn & # x27 ; t live without were of. A tail on it you can always count on Grandma to be realistic person on the other usually. Ill be is an expression used when a person can not carry a when. Goodness gracious is an expression used when a person is already deceased swear words even if you youre! Again, black parents are masters at humbling you the temperatures shoot past 100 who is and. That `` still waters run deep. to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you.... Term tickled pink is used when one is speaking about a person not! A dirt road keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have near beach. Explain the expression 'speak of the devil, ' and verify that it is used worldwide softly. You grew up in the us showcase some of the most popular Southern expressions is!
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