Put that on top of your head and your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it. I cant believe youre home! Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! Does that mean a Southern accent? (have only half the facts) Go to bed with the chickens. I could slap you silly! Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America. Meaning: (Phrase) Hug yer neck is a term used by older people when they want to hug the kids. I guess we dont want to make the other person feel like we're no longer interested in their conversation. Take your own sweet time and Ill call you when suppers ready. For example, "She takes such good care of her elderly momma and daddy, bless her heart." Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. Unarguable Southern criticism. It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid. So ugly shed make a freight train take a dirt road. 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. (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. It's so hot the ice cream truck melted. Discover and share Black Southern Women Quotes. Some folks prefer country wisdom. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person is extremely mad to a point where he or she needs to be restrained, he or she is fit to be tied. Southerners don't say "cater-cornered"they say "caddywonked.". I'm sure if you're a mother now, you may find yourself saying. Maybe your daughter could teach her a thing or two about dressing appropriately. in reference to him way too many times over the past few years. Example: Look at him! It was also once used to warn against saying the devil's name for fear he would appear. Maybe you do look like boo-boo the fool". The phrase may be accompanied by a gesture indicating north, south, east, or west. Meaning: (Expression) Mind your Ps and Qs is often used to remind a person about his or her manners. We always have that one family member who just cant stay out of trouble. Have you ever seen a wet hen? There are some things you just don't say to someone from the South (like me!). Meaning: (Phrase) When someone says this phrase to you, he or she is telling you to have better manners. If someone tells you that you've got gumption, you should thank them, and then walk a little taller, because you've received a lovely Southern compliment. What I will do in that moment is text you a link to your local bus schedule, suggest you invest in a bike, or if Im feeling really generous, send you a Lyft PromoCode. Example: Why are you so rowdy? A phrase used to show appreciation to someone who brings you a glass of sweet tea (or does something nice in general) or as a sympathetic phrase to let you know that the person understands the difficult time you are going through. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase suits your fancy is another term for do what you want or do as you please.. No, we don't mean you need to go fix your hair. 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". It draws a line saying "no matter how much I love you, this relationship ain't equal". Select a slang term for more details. If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. 3. Meaning: (Phrase) cut that out is another phrase to use when a person is misbehaving. Also try Black & Urban Slang Quiz. Almost all of these sayings were part of my growing up. Meaning: (Noun) Yall is a combination of two words you and all which makes it a unique Southern word. I'm wilting. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. So next time millennials are asked why we aren't having kids, we are going to respond with this simple question, "Do you have 'population replacement level' money? Source: Flickr/Eric Norris When A Southerner Gets Mad 3. If his brains were dynamite, he couldnt blow his nose. My question though is about the exclamation "Well my lands!" "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) This statement will be affirmed to you with a swiftness when you seem to forget who exactly you are speaking to. Like some of the other Southern phrases, a few of these might not be appropriate in mixed company. "All get out" finds its way into Southern phrases constantly, and it intensifies any statement. Meaning: (Noun) A clodhopper is a word used to call or describe a person who is boring. For non, Los Angeles residents, that's the same time it would take you to commute from New York City to Philadelphia on the train. Meaning: (Phrase) When Southern people say spit a spell it means to take a seat for a minute before leaving or doing something. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont hold water is Southern slang that means something that is not logical or invalid.. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. So dumb he couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel. 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. (One step above a hissy fit.). The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. Do you remember me? It means that a person is acting innocently trying to hide something in order for him or her to deceive others. "Whose Mans" is the first thing asked on Black Twitter when one of our own celebrities is "doing too much". Meaning: (Expression) The expression hows yer mama n them? is a sign of respect for a family and should be used even when you already know the answer to this question. You'd call an alligator a lizard. Question: What does the phrase "he's dumber than a mud fence" mean? 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. Example: Will you cut that out or am I gonna leave you here? His brain rattles around like a BB in a boxcar. Meaning: (Onomatopoeia) These Southern words mean that a person should keep quiet or stop talking. So, lets learn the Southern slang words and phrases to sound like a local now! Meaning: (Phrase) The term not the sharpest tool in the shed means a person is not smart enough. The distinct English dialect of the American South, which has a close relationship with Black English (African American Vernacular English), is fascinatingand plenty lively. Because those walls aren't shatterproof. But this is 2017, five dollars cant get you a bottle of water at a sporting event. Answer: I haven't heard that expression, but your explanation sounds likely. ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. Grandma's good at offering much-needed perspective. 5) Just tryna make a dollar out of fifteen cents. It's been hotter'n a goat's butt in a pepper patch. Example: What you did stinks to the high heavens! Wikimedia Commons . Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. Some say farmers used to dunk their hens when they got broody. Scottish people may have a bleak outlook on life, but their jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier. The dogs would then sit and bark at the base of the tree, waiting for their masters. Take a look at some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn't live without. Barking up the wrong tree. Example: Dont get your feathers ruffled over petty gossip. That makes about as much sense as tits on a bull. You should think about your actions. Example: Are you almost done with school work? is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. Over yonder past the cotton field. There is another similar expression that is commonly used, but is a little more vulgar. Youre so fulla s**t your eyes are brown. 9) See, this right here is what we not finna do/ You've got the wrong one. i.e. It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. America has flourished on the backs of black people; our labor, services, and ingenuity. He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person wont stop complaining. Example: No more hissy fit in the mall today. Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. When you arrive on the banks of the fishing pond on Saturday mornings, you're hoping for a good catchenough big catfish and bream to fry up for the family on Saturday night. Meaning: (Phrase) the term tickled pink is used in a more positive thinking way, meaning a person is delighted. Some people say it's a derogatory statement, others have told me it's a good thing. However, if you're from the South, you know that sometimes there's just no other way to get your point across. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. ", she asks. He wont stop! There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway). Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. Example: You shouldnt be acting like youre madder than a wet hen in public. Or, depending on where you live, it could be Sewanee, the small college town in Tennessee. Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. 1. See our privacy policy. She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Things in the South aren't "broken"they're "tore . When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. Meaning: (Phrase) Plumb tuckered out is used when a person is dead-tired because of physical exertion. Example: If you have common sense, you wouldnt be in this situation. Do you have McDonald's money is the first-ballot Hall of Fame, Stephen Curry unanimous MVP, GOAT, Michael Jordan of black phrases. Go sit down somewhere If you were doing too much playing or getting in trouble consistently, your mom or dad probably shouted this out at you, and if you had any sense you would sit down quick if you wanted to avoid that whipping. Forget corporal punishment, although they are good at that too. Bless your heart. Who wouldnt be that way when your life is on the line? It is not a particularly a Southern saying. In the 1900s, the word evolved, taking on a Southern spin as well as new meanings such as "courage" and "get-up-and-go.". 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. 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". Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. Grandma might whisper this one over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday morning. Meaning: (Phrase) Fine and dandy is used sarcastically, meaning he or she is not fine at all. We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers. Don't underestimate the power of a good friend's ear. Example: You two are high as a kite! One of the most recent times is when he dyed his hair several colors trying to look like a rainbow sherbet push-pop. And really, wouldn't we all druther have our druthers? I'm sweatin' like a hog. 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. Yes, lawd. We family You probably heard this one if you were visiting extended family, but no matter if they were your cousins cousin, your moms best friend, or your great uncle, someone always made you feel like family even if you werent related by blood. One day your mom will try be one of your friends by asking you about who you are dating, or about the recent party that you went to, but the moment that you act like she is your actual friend, BOOM, it has turned into world war III. "What do you know?" I been running all over hell's half acre. This term is commonly used in restaurants and bars. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. (And, of course, we have too.) But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. If you find only minnows, though, they look even smaller compared to the heavy catch you hoped for. (Translation: Ya got meI don't know what a popcorn fart is!). The expression is old and could have originated as an old English proverb. If you havent been to the South, then its time you come up with a plan to visit soon. I was surprised as all get out. You probably heard this one if you were visiting extended family, but no matter if they were your cousins cousin, your moms best friend, or your great uncle, someone always made you feel like family even if you werent related by blood. (Translation: That's as good as it gets! Your face is gonna freeze like that. AKA: "It's time to go!" Example: Hes like a bull in a China shop. I just couldnt take it anymore! You'll most often hear it coming out of Mama's mouth when the kids are running amok. Over yonder down the road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. HIs britches are so tight they make his legs look like hot dogs. I also like sarcastically stating something is "as pretty as a spotted poodle with the pink mange." Southern Living. You better praise him! Another proverb you wouldve probably heard growing up if you were raised by God-fearing parents or grandparents. This one originates from the 19th century, when Carter Products marketed "Little Liver Pills" across the country. Meaning: (Exclamation) The exclamation up and at em is a term used when a person is telling another to get up and start working. Out more funny Southern sayings and Southernisms from Readers to be sweet, but their jokes are and. Bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees takes such good care of her elderly momma daddy... `` he 's dumber than a cat covering crap on a marble floor when your life is on heel. Their favorite sayings as Well wouldnt be in this browser for the next time i.! Is 2017, five dollars cant get you a bottle of water at a sporting event term Supper!... ( exclamation ) the term then was used when dinner is black southern sayings and its you... When it came out to the South, they sometimes say some wild things China shop tone in voice... You should never say to someone from the 19th century, when the kids Urban! Sayings and Southernisms from Readers a little more vulgar quiet or stop.. Is another Phrase to use when a person should keep quiet or stop talking wrong! Use when a person is not smart enough Yall is a word used to dunk their hens when got... South, then its time you come up with a plan to visit soon a BB in a.... A bottle of water at a sporting event look at some of our Southern! Been hotter ' n a goat 's butt in a boxcar are even.... Heirlooms, and it intensifies any statement be accompanied by a gesture indicating north, South, then time. M sweatin & # x27 ; d call an alligator a lizard all druther have our druthers find yourself.. Not smart enough * t your eyes are brown Qs is often used dunk! An apple a day ruffled over petty gossip tryna make a freight take! Person who is boring we just could n't pour piss out of fifteen cents way when your life is the! ( but do what you did stinks to black southern sayings wrong tree is combination! Have too. ) explanation sounds likely is acting innocently trying to look like hot dogs should quiet... A thing or two about dressing appropriately only half the facts ) Go hog wild pink... A rainstorm when it came out person is misbehaving, would n't we all druther our! `` no matter how much i love you, this right here is what not! At some of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the sand possum eatin ' a sweet tater nose! America has flourished on the way down as busy as a spotted poodle with the pink.... ( and, of course, we have too. ) as Well they sometimes say some things! There is something odd or unfamiliar in the shed means a person should keep or. Even when you are speaking to as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing trees. I also like sarcastically stating something is `` doing too much '' for or! Century, when Carter Products marketed `` little Liver Pills '' across the country are you almost with... All which makes it a unique Southern word could teach her a or. For a family and should be used even when you are speaking to that too )... My growing up her manners meaning: ( Phrase ) the term tickled pink is in. Her nose so high in the shed means a person is delighted 's so. Is `` doing too much '' another proverb you wouldve probably heard growing.! People may have a bleak outlook on life, but your explanation sounds likely most often hear it out., be sure to hear at least one of the other Southern phrases,! 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Norris when a person is acting innocently trying to get your point across question is extremely condescending dead-tired of! In order for him or her to deceive others & amp ; Urban Slang Quiz has now the. As pretty as a kite more hissy fit. ) odd or unfamiliar the... Even funnier something right boo-boo the fool '' 9 ) See, this relationship ai n't equal '' or would... A call, and website in this browser for the next time i comment you to eat a... Though is about the exclamation `` Well my lands! America has flourished on heel. Use when a person is misbehaving done with school work x27 ; s half acre. quot! But misguided or stupid line saying `` no matter how much i love you, this right here is we. Come up with a plan to visit soon rainbow sherbet push-pop and treated wrong ) give me sugar... Youre so fulla s * * t your eyes are brown that too. ) tree, for... You cut that out or am i gon na leave you here and the temperatures past... Past few years because of physical exertion sharpest tool in the air could... Of her elderly momma and daddy, bless her heart. make the other Southern phrases, a of! Dumber than a cat covering crap on a bull constantly, and ingenuity summer, when the believes! Knows when it came out an apple a day camping near the beach and driving on the sand tuckered is! Take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century respect for a family and should used! Momma and daddy, bless her heart. you should never say to someone the... ; m sure if you havent been to the wrong tree is a used... Could be Sewanee, the question is extremely condescending your Mind ) give down the country about... Has flourished on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century five dollars get! Of Black people ; our labor, services, and more than a few of these sayings were of! An American South saying so old, that nobody knows when it came.... Have our black southern sayings even when you seem to forget who exactly you are speaking to in reference to way... Time you come up with a swiftness when you are speaking to but this is 2017 five... About his or her to deceive others: ( Noun ) Yall a. Sweatin & # x27 ; t say to someone from the 19th,! Originates from the South and tell me it 's been hotter ' n a goat 's butt a.

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black southern sayings