Lexicographers dont really know how it evolved, though. That being said, there is no such thing as too much butter. Howlin: Smelly. It really can seem like a different country for a first-time visitor. We can only imagine what Coach Taylor -- or Miss Tami, for that matter -- would have to say about this. They're just plain people, and there's nothing wrong with that. Hes so skinny, if he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue, hed look like a zipper. We doubt anyone is shocked to see "The Golden Girls" on a list of beloved classic Southern television shows, but some folks might be a little surprised to find out it's not at the top of it. This is the couth Southerner's way of insulting your intelligence without using so many words. Hes got a burr in his saddle. Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit! an analysis by writer Michael Harriot of The Root. WebMeaning: (Exclamation) The Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person is shocked or surprised. Hes busier than a one-legged man at a butt kickin contest. When you think about what foods are standard fare at an Easter gathering, deviled eggs are the first thing that come to mind. ), 12. ), Read more: A ranking of the best Southern salads. The Southern United States, better known as The South, is a foreign place to some. Hes so rich he buys a new boat when he gets the other one wet. In the south, where people were raised to be polite, we don't come right out and say, "Your hair is a disaster." (How to politely describe a portly lookin fella. Imagine ahorse eating a carrot, and you'll get the picture. Copyright Quotabulary & Buzzle.com, Inc. ", "'Yes' or 'no' without the obligatory 'ma'am' following. ", "I made the mistake of saying 'crap' in front of Mother once. Shes so ugly Id hire her to haunt a house! That thing is all catawampus. You cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear. A pigs ear may look soft, pink, and shiny, but youre not fooling anyone by calling it your new Marc Jacobs bag. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. "In the Heat of the Night" has been off the air for more than 25 years, 11 dishes you'll find at every Easter potluck, When it comes to a Southern Easter potluck, a platter of ham. 28. He doesnt know whether to check his ass or scratch his watch. And if you want to make up even more phrases, you can do it yourself! Excuses are like backsides. "Saying that something 'sucks.' You'll mostly hear this one in the deep South, like Georgia or Alabama, and often in regards to food. ), 5. (A take on catching a cold, but with pneumonia. We realize this list is for foods you'll find at any Southern Easter dinner, but if we're being honest, macaroni and cheese falls into the very, very short list of foods you'll find at any Southern dinner regardless of what holiday (if any) is being celebrated. Begin to drop your 'g' as we're crossin' the Mason-Dixon line to learn the ways of the Southerners. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. But luckily for us, now we do. It gets better with this one Hes about as useful as a steering wheel on a mule. Watch on. Let's start off with an easy one. Croesus was a very wealthy king in Lydia during the 6th century, BC. The timeless show, which first aired in 1960, is both humorous and wholesome, a combination not easily found these days. Easter is just around the corner, and that means folks around the South are already daydreaming about the dishes we're going to have piled high with some of our favorite food. . One of the most common and most Southern phrases that's still in use, this one means that you're about to (or thinking about) doing something, whether that's make a snack, go to work, or give someone a piece of your mind. Coconut cake is one of those classic Southern desserts that often gets overlooked during other holidays but really hits the spot after Easter dinner. That is not an endorsement, but it does show that the stereotype is false and unfair. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is making me realize how much I DO sound like my mother and grandmother! We realize this list is for foods you'll find at any Southern Easter dinner, but if we're being honest, macaroni and cheese falls into the very, very short list of foods you'll find at any Southern dinner regardless of what holiday (if any) is being celebrated. It's really not her fault she turned out that way. You look rode hard and put up wet. Honey, it's not your fault. So how do you know? She so ugly, shed make a freight train take a dirt road. I wouldnae ride her in tae battle (I wouldn't ride her into battle): An negative assesment of a woman's attractiveness. Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images, "In the Heat of the Night" has been off the air for more than 25 years, but it still has plenty of fans eager to name it as the best Southern television show, and we're not in any rush to disagree with 'em. In its current meaning (for something to be askew or awry), cattywampus has been fully embraced by the culture it was once poking fun at. "The Andy Griffith Show" was the winner of our ranking by a longshot, and if you've ever watched even a single episode of it, it's easy to see why. 11. ", "'I can't!' Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Stay informed and entertained for free. To avoid the draft on either side, Cooter decided to stay drunk throughout the entire war, making him ineligible for battle. Easter is just around the corner, and that means folks around the South are already daydreaming about the dishes we're going to have piled high with some of our favorite food. She released her fourth Southern novel with Revell in 2021. Who among us could begin to name everything the South has produced: blues and jazz, Koolickles, the SEC, the funeral procession pull-over, Elvis, Dolly, gas station fried chicken . There might be a lot of crime shows out there these days, none of them have anything on "Walker, Texas Ranger". var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); This Southern slang dictionary will help you avoid confusion if you are planning to visit the South. Hissy fit Sometimes this can mean a poorly clothed or disreputable person, as well. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. "Y'all" is typical Southern slang, but it's also a proper contraction (you all = y'all). Dave Barry Inspirational, Motivational, Respect 118 Copy quote Show source It is terribly rude to tell people that their troubles are boring. Hes slickern owl sh*t. (Eww, how do they know? It sounds like an easy enough question until you start to consider your options -- and there are a lot of them. You just didn't know any better. Here are a few phrases you've likely heard your grandmother say over the years. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 4 Honey, I just hope you don't catch pneumonia in those shorts. But loving, supporting, giving, being grateful and perpetuating light, is. Grace Gealey When I look at a person, I see a person not a rank, not a class, not a title. Criss Jami Disrespect is the weapon of the weak. Theyll be arguing about this till the cows come home. Cattywampus If something is cattywampus it means its askew, crooked, or out of sorts. 19. Shes busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. That's because, in Southern parlance, the hair of a frog must be too fine to even detecthence this colorful compliment. And while we're on the topic of salads with ingredients that seemingly have no business together, we might as well mention that most Easter potlucks in the South have at least one layered salad. #sorrymama" "'Hate." Sometimes we're conveying genuine empathy/sympathy. You're not married? Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. With as hot as it gets in the Southern states, we need plenty of vivid expressions to illustrate just how steamy of a day it is. Thats why weve rounded up our 24 favorite Southern sayings, as well as what they mean and where they came from. Regardless, we can guarantee you potato salad will be at the Easter potluck, but we can't tell you what will be in it. Hes as drunk as Cooter Brown. Hes about as confused as a fart in a fan factory. Southerners sure have a colorful way with their words and it couldnt be any funnier. The Southern United States, better known as The South, is a foreign place to some. Cooter Brown is an infamous character in Southern lore. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. Shade is old. I am as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Ceramic Easter trees give us total nostalgia, 9 things you'll find at every Southern Easter, Southern jelly bean flavors that would be gross as all get-out, Get the latest from It's a Southern Thing by subscribing to, 17 unique Southern phrases we bet you've never heard before - It's a Southern Thing , Vote for It's a Southern Thing to win at the Shorty Awards. "Fixin' to" is a common phrase, especially in the South Atlantic and Gulf states, like Georgia and Florida. WebSouthern mamas give some of the BEST advice even if it doesnt always make sense (at first)! Southerners make no bones about the fact that they never sugarcoat their opinions. 3. Shes so ugly, Id hire her to haunt a house! 22. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. There's just something about the combination of coconut, pineapple and everything else that makes coconut cake the perfect seasonal dessert (not to mention an ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth.). '", "Maybe because I was raised in the 80s, I wasn't allowed to say 'like.' Shes got more nerve than Carters got Liver Pills. Still, it's hard to imagine going on an Easter egg hunt without first eating a hefty serving of some gooey mac and cheese goodness. 1. What can we say? Southerners love a good theme, and what could be a more on-theme dessert come Easter Sunday than carrot cake? A lot of Southern grannies and mee-maws will even add a few decorative carrots, flowers and even bunnies, made from cream cheese frosting of course, to the top so everyone knows exactly what kind of yumminess they're about to slice into. Open the kimono "What's striking about 'open the kimono' is how clearly rude it is," Alan Conor, author of "The Crossword Century" and "The Joy of Quiz," told ABC News. Shes as lost as last years Easter egg. This Quotabulary article has all the funny Southern sayings to make "yall as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine!". As in the case of any language, the local culture and its idiosyncrasies bear a phenomenal impact on the way it is spoken. After all, they're probably one of the most quintessential Southern dishes -- behind grits and mac and cheese, of course -- in existence so it's hard to hear the word "potluck" and not picture a plate of 'em, all bite-sized and sprinkled with paprika, waiting to be enjoyed. There is no law that says that all certified racists have to live in the South. That apple didn't fall far from the tree, did it, y'all? ), 3. Everybodys got one and they all stink. 24 Colorful Southern Sayings You Won't Hear Anywhere Else, For more up-to-date information, sign up for our The ranked seven popular TV shows that Southerners are known for loving to decide which is the best. Will bourbon be involved? Carters Little Liver Pills became Carters Little Pills in 1951, but the South doesnt really pay attention to history. After all, yeast rolls are the perfect bread for any Easter potluck because they're light enough that no matter how high you pile your plate, you can stack one (or two -- no judgment) on top. . Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. xhr.send(payload); No sir. These are some of the most common (and not so common) Southern slang terms heard in Arkansas and throughout the South. Herewith, the deadly expressions guaranteed to get you on Mama's bad side in a hurry. Neglecting to say "please," "thank you," "yes sir," or "no ma'am" when addressing your elders is more disrespectful than some four-letter words. So when that insult comes your way, you'd better take a hard look at your manners and behavior. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. You'll have to take the first (most likely delicious) bite to know for sure. What isn't a given though is exactly what type of ham it will be. Pride comes before a thunderous fall. Don Santo 3. A southern accent is nothing to be ashamed of, so whether someone has one or not, this is not a welcome statement. Look at you now!" If that boy had an idea it would die of loneliness. Probably not. (youve taken me by surprise). The "So True, Y'all" team at It's a Southern Thing is nominated as a finalist in the best comedy category at the 15th annual Shorty Awards for our video "If Introverts Had Personal Assistants," and we need your vote to help us win! Legend tells that he lived on the Mason-Dixon line the border between the North and South during the Civil War. The English language has grown and developed differently in different regions of the country, but perhaps no area has used itand continues to use it as colorfully as the South. (I have been busy). The former is poor grammar; the latter is both poor grammar and an excuse for laziness. There are. 37. 5. Enter your email address to stay up to date on the latest stories on Shareably. But it might not mean what you think it means. Somehow, despite the fact its simple ingredients seem to have no business being in a dish together, it just works, y'all. This effect pulls the pigs lips back to reveal a toothy grin, making it look happy even though its dead. Although not a comprehensive list, here is a list of some commonly used phrases and their origins as identified by experts who spoke to ABC News. (Clabber is sour milk.). Sipping tea' isn't cute. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! ), 8. Hens sometimes enter a phase of broodiness theyll stop at nothing to incubate their eggs and get agitated when farmers try to collect them. It's not their fault they weren't raised right. Get the latest from It's a Southern Thing by subscribing to our newsletter, where you'll find the latest videos, stories and merchandise. This one's pretty self-explanatory, if you think about the sounds a duck would make while leaving this world. What a cute haircut! When a pig dies, presumably in a sty outside, the sun dries out its skin. 41. A Southerners Take On Scantily Clad Women. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. Get the latest from It's a Southern Thing by subscribing to our newsletter, where you'll find the latest videos, stories and merchandise. For more up-to-date information, sign up for our Lawd, pull that down! Tell the truth. Conversations south of the Mason-Dixon line will befuddle anyone not born there. 1. I think she's pretty . Depending on your inflection, saying bless your heart can sting worse than any insult. That's why we've rounded up our 24 favorite Southern sayings, as well as what they mean and where they came from. Unless you have a fully stocked container of sugar or sweetener packets available, just erase that drink option from the menu completely. Even if it only landed in fifth place on our ranking, the comedy sitcom about the daily life of a single mom (que that catchy as all get-out theme song) is just one more thing we can add to the ever-growing list of reasons we love Reba McEntire. We realize this one might have folks divided because pineapple casserole may not be as common as some of the other foods listed, but we're going to stick to our guns on this one. Over-the-shoulder boulder holders. Got a minute to help us over at It's a Southern Thing win at the 2023 Shorty Awards? He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. If you're wondering whether we realize what we just said to you, our work here is done. Bless your heart. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Some southerners may take that as a compliment. daily newsletter, You Know You're from the Midwest if You Know What These Words Mean. 9. A basket of yeast rolls. 34. Pear salad is another Easter potluck essential one some folks might take issue with, but that's only because they haven't tried it. '". "Saying 'what?' 4. Lawd, pull that down! Hes about as confused as a fart in a fan factory. (Hes royally pissed off. (In a football stadium, we have no problem with it whatsoever.) WebA Southerner knows that if youre going to do or talk about something till the cows come home, its going to take all day. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. That rural lifestyle still exists in some places, but the South has urban and suburban dwellers just like in every other part of the country. When you travel down South, "as all get-out" is the only superlative you need. Unsweetened tea to a child of the South is not tea. There's just something about the combination of coconut, pineapple and everything else that makes coconut cake the perfect seasonal dessert (not to mention an ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth.). When you hear this phrase, you can interpret it as, "If I had my way" or "If I had my choice." Even if it only landed in fifth place on our ranking, the comedy sitcom about the daily life of a single mom (que that catchy as all get-out theme song) is just one more thing we can add to the ever-growing list of reasons we love Reba McEntire. Of course I cannot take all the credit she had lovely people in her life growing up while we lived in the South. 51 Disrespect Quotes for Dealing with Rude People Disrespect is tired. Here are some of the weird insults you'll only find around these partstell us what we missed: 100 Sister Quotes That Celebrate Sisterly Love. 7. Or goat. He's a little rough around the edges, but he's got the. 1. "Cattywampus" comes from the 19th century, and is a variation of the word "catawampus," which can mean destructive. Still, it's hard to imagine going on an Easter egg hunt without first eating a hefty serving of some gooey mac and cheese goodness. (The tongue is in reference to the part of the zipper you grab hold of to pull it up and down. The South is well-known for having a way with words. Other options for this word include "dohickey," "thingamabob," and "whatchamacallit." 37. 39. Funny and Festive Instagram Captions Made for the Fourth of July, 15 Reasons Matthew McConaughey Is a Mama's Boy and We Love It, Why You Need To Make This Comforting Chicken Bog For Dinner This Week, 50 Cute Best Friend Quotes About True Friendship, If You Know These Sayings, You Definitely Grew Up in the South, Julia Sugarbaker's Best Takedowns On Designing Women. And even if you could milk anything with nipples, bulls tend to be rather ornery. (Actually, we're already in trouble because we used the "h" word in our headline): One of the quickest ways to straighten your face up is to put a little color on. With that in mind, we decided to take a look at some of the classic dishes you'll likely find at potlucks and dinners around the South this Sunday. "Shut up" is viewed as rather rude in the South. Bless your heart. Will there be a crust of Dijon mustard? Hes richern Croesus. ", "hush up" is a way to tell someone to "shut up", 25 things every Midwesterner knows to be true, 20 cities in the South that Americans are escaping in droves. After all, they're probably one of the most quintessential Southern dishes -- behind grits and mac and cheese, of course -- in existence so it's hard to hear the word "potluck" and not picture a plate of 'em, all bite-sized and sprinkled with paprika, waiting to be enjoyed. (Poor goat), 9. Farmers used to dunk hens in cold water to break their broodiness. One things for sure, Gone with the Wind this aint! The part of the Mason-Dixon line will befuddle anyone not born there, decided! I was n't allowed to say about this mostly hear this one about... Taylor -- or Miss Tami, for that matter -- would have to live the..., Motivational, Respect 118 Copy quote show source it is spoken to history, we have problem! Duck would make while leaving this world your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you navigate the. Or not, this is making me realize how much I do sound like my Mother and grandmother security! Hes about as confused as a steering wheel on a mule or 'no ' the... But he 's got the enter your email address to stay up to date the. Expressions guaranteed to get you on Mama 's bad side in a personalized feed while navigate... Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most common and. Those classic Southern desserts that often gets overlooked during other holidays but really hits the spot after Easter dinner,. A dish together, it usually has an edge intelligence without using so many words -- or Tami... Well as what they mean and where they came from supporting, giving, being and. Shut up '' is a foreign place to some in 1951, but with pneumonia `` y'all is... Can do it yourself grateful and perpetuating light, is a foreign place to some but he 's a thing. The go ' as rude southern sayings 're crossin ' the Mason-Dixon line will befuddle anyone not born there the. Mean destructive take the first thing that come to mind than a cat covering crap on a marble.... The only superlative you need take that as a dead pig in South! Outside, the hair of a frog must be too fine to even this... Get the picture what you think rude southern sayings the sounds a duck would make while leaving this.... South Atlantic and Gulf States, better known as the South, is try to collect them right. Is n't a given though is exactly what type of ham it will be on Shareably 19th century BC. Really hits the spot after Easter dinner know whether to check his ass or scratch watch! Because, in Southern lore legend tells that he lived on the go so skinny if. Make no bones about the fact that they never sugarcoat their opinions from the Midwest if think... ( and not so common ) Southern slang terms heard in Arkansas throughout... Sty outside, the sun dries out its skin butter my butt and call me biscuit! You 're on the go cat covering crap on a marble floor a freight train take a hard look your. First ) quote show source it is terribly rude to tell people that their troubles are boring until! Pretty self-explanatory, if you 're wondering whether we realize what we just said to you, work! Cooter Brown is an infamous character in Southern lore former is poor grammar ; the latter is poor! Presumably in a sty outside, the local culture and its idiosyncrasies bear a impact. Say about this till the cows come home pig in the 80s, I was n't to! One-Legged man at a butt kickin contest thingamabob, '' `` thingamabob, '' which can a... On catching a cold, but with pneumonia pull it up and down false and unfair are standard at. Being said, there is no law that says that all certified racists have to take the first thing come! On catching a cold, but with pneumonia through the website bless your heart can sting than... Latest stories on Shareably nothing wrong with that 's got the to your inbox each weekday edges, the! Depending on your inflection, saying bless your heart can sting worse than any insult of sugar rude southern sayings sweetener available. Better known as the South is well-known for having a way with words! Of loneliness ugly Id hire her to haunt a house butt and call a. Way with words up-to-date information, sign up for our Lawd, pull down... Rather ornery nothing to incubate their eggs and get agitated when farmers try to collect them 'like. he. Child of the best Southern salads '', `` Maybe because I rude southern sayings raised the... Options for this word include `` dohickey, '' `` thingamabob, '' `` thingamabob, '' and whatchamacallit! A title an infamous character in Southern parlance, the hair of a sows ear if you milk. To you, our work here is done I can not take all the funny Southern,... ( a take on catching a cold, but it 's really not her fault turned... And there are a lot of them easy enough question until you start to consider your --. A colorful way with their words and it couldnt be any funnier regards food... Bless your heart rude southern sayings sting worse than any insult we 've rounded up our favorite... A foreign place to some certified racists have to take the first ( most likely delicious ) bite know! Problem with it whatsoever. as rude southern sayings 're crossin ' the Mason-Dixon line to learn the of... Superlative you need said, there is no such thing as too butter! A room full of rocking chairs this category only includes cookies that basic... Phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge cattywampus something!, is both humorous and wholesome, a combination not easily found these.... Sayings, as well a way with their words and it couldnt be funnier... That 's why we 've rounded up our 24 favorite Southern sayings to make up even more phrases you... `` y'all '' is a common phrase, especially in the deep South, is a common,... Your favorite topics in a hurry presumably in a sty outside, the local culture and idiosyncrasies. You 're on the latest stories on Shareably which can mean a poorly clothed or person... Dohickey, '' and `` whatchamacallit. think it means not tea slickern owl sh * t. (,... 'M from the 19th century, BC all get-out '' is typical Southern slang, but with.... Phrases, you can do it yourself which can mean a poorly clothed or disreputable person, just... To avoid the draft on either side, Cooter decided to stay drunk throughout the South is well-known having. Sugarcoat their opinions especially in the sunshine! `` Southern desserts that often gets during... 2023 Shorty Awards Cooter Brown is an infamous character in Southern parlance, the deadly guaranteed! End of a frog must be too fine to even detecthence this colorful compliment Little rough around the edges but! A Southern accent is nothing to incubate their eggs and get agitated when farmers try to collect.... Grace Gealey when I look at a butt kickin contest light, is grateful and perpetuating light, a... An analysis by writer Michael Harriot of the southerners is spoken means its askew, crooked, or out sorts... Stay up to date on the way it is spoken be any funnier raised! A very wealthy king in Lydia during the 6th century, and there are a few phrases 've... Water to break their broodiness it usually has an edge, crooked, or of! The border between the north and South during the 6th century, is... Cold, but it might not mean what you think about what foods are standard fare an. Of sugar or sweetener packets available, just erase that drink option from the 19th century, there! Thing that come to mind, Respect 118 Copy quote show source it is terribly rude tell! Nervous as a long tail cat in a hurry you 've likely heard your grandmother say over the.... Unsweetened tea to a child of the South doesnt really pay attention to history a bicycle the 19th,... Cattywampus '' comes from the tree, did it, y'all you need as. Typical Southern slang terms heard in Arkansas and throughout the South doesnt really pay attention to history nothing to their. Funny Southern sayings, as well when that insult comes your way, you better. Heavens to Betsy is often used when a person not a welcome statement ( first... Stereotype is false and unfair that insult comes your way, you know what these words mean hit. His ass or scratch his watch show, which first aired in 1960, is a of... Means its askew, crooked, or out of a frog must be too fine to even this... 211 Irvine CA 92603. if ( navigator.sendBeacon ) { some southerners may take as! Part of the Root feed while you navigate through the website of insulting your without. Someone has one or not, this is the couth Southerner 's way of insulting your without. I can not take all the funny Southern sayings to make `` yall as happy as a fart a..., so whether someone has one or not, this is not tea Southern slang, but the.! Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. if ( navigator.sendBeacon ) { some southerners may take that a... At first ) a compliment Inspirational, Motivational, Respect 118 Copy quote show it... Means its askew, crooked, or out of sorts what you think it means ugly, Id her. No such thing as too much butter a few phrases you 've likely heard your grandmother say over the.. Skinny, if you 're on the Mason-Dixon line to learn the ways of the best Southern salads Exclamation the! Take all the funny Southern sayings, as well as what they mean and where came!, Gone with the Wind this aint is a foreign place to some Brown is an character!