If you hear this one, you should probably pause a moment. Farmers know that if you do something 'til the cows come home, it's going to take all day. And on the way you are praying that the person in question is not a friend or acquaintance of yours. The loudest problems receive all the attention. Some pests messed it up last night. Meaning: (Phrase) This Southern phrase is used when a person is asking for a kiss. Example: Our children are going on a trip. The other reason black people love saying this phrase is out of pure pettiness. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. 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 phrase suits your fancy is another term for do what you want or do as you please.. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern phrase slow as molasses is used when comparing a slow person to how molasses is cooked in a slow cooker. She's so ugly I'd hire her to haunt a house! But we've just realizedthey've passed down their vocabularies too. 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. It starts at home with our mothers and from the time we are young, they have a series of sayings we hear well into our adult years. He wont stop! What did you do? "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." 1.phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. It was also once used to warn against saying the devil's name for fear he would appear. Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. "), "Over-the-shoulder boulder holders." Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. The legacy of "Do you have McDonalds money?" There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway). Example: Come on! 9 out of every 10 black women has weekly phone calls so long that it takes up your drive from Santa Monica to Pasadena. Don't underestimate the power of a good friend's ear. Also, your parent calling your friends "little" is not in regard to stature, they could all be over six feet tall. Get the short end of the stick. Do you remember me? Happier than ol' Blue layin' on the porch chewin' on a big ol' catfish head. You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. Select a slang term for more details. Yankees just can't pass for Southerners! "You better know that schoolwork the same way you know them songs"- It was your mom or grandma's way of saying to keep. Example: Look at him! I couldnt buy a hummingbird on a string for a nickel. 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. He squeezes the quarter so tight the eagle screams. "We're living in high cotton." Cotton has long been a key crop to the South's economy, so every harvest farmers. Whether you are from another part of the country or from another country altogether, I hope you enjoy this collection of Southern sayings. Forget corporal punishment, although they are good at that too. Made famous by Forrest Gump, this phrase reminds us to look a little deeper. Happy Cabbage Happy. ", "I been running all over hell's half acre. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bless your heart is a Southern-style slang that women use when speaking ill about somebody. Meaning: (Phrase) The term hog wild is a term used in Southern living that describes a person living wildly and without a care. It is a quintessential Southern phrase, said by friends and family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South. He was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. You sure you could go to work? You don't have a job and you probably dont have an allowance because why would your parents pay you to do what youre supposed to do while living their household. If brains were leather, he wouldn't have enough to saddle a junebug. While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. I have yet to see a reparation check for the work my ancestors did. Because that same person riding in your car typically offers zero to marginally small contributions towards the gas tank they're commenting on. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. as you ran away from your mama when you got in trouble. Meaning: (Exclamation) What in tarnation is a Southern slang expression; originated from the words damnation and tarnal. This expression dates back to the 18th century and is used when irritated or surprised. There are some things you just don't say to someone from the South (like me!). Do you have McDonald's money is the first-ballot Hall of Fame, Stephen Curry unanimous MVP, GOAT, Michael Jordan of black phrases. The time will pass anyway. Now, youre like white on rice! So if you offer me five dollars as if thats going to entice me to drive you a far distance, Im going to look at you just like this: Five dollars isnt even worth me turning my car on and off, let alone driving more than 2 miles. and 2) "I don't know? If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. Meaning: (Phrase) Playin possum has a more serious meaning compared to other Southern expressions. Its only once in a blue moon we get to hang out. He doesn't know whether to check his ass or scratch his watch. In Black American English, this phrase means asking for something in a vague, circuitous way. (This is in reference to the bald eagle that's depicted on the back of a quarter.) Meaning: (Phrase) Plumb tuckered out is used when a person is dead-tired because of physical exertion. Bless your heart Meaning: (Expression) The expression "bless your heart" is a Southern-style slang that women use when speaking ill about somebody. An exclamationof surprise, anger, happiness, really any emotionthat is appropriate in nearly every Southern scenario. Example: If it suits your fancy, definitely go for it. He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle. Meaning: (Phrase) I reckon is a quintessential southern phrase for I suppose.. Your parent couldn't care less how you and your friends converse with one another. In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. I cant believe youre home! It is a physical and mental state a few degrees past weary and just this side of dog-tired. The storm knocked the clothes on the clothesline all cattywampus! Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term slap you silly is hyperbole for someone who is mad and can slap another person. Meaning: (Exclamation) Sam Hill was a store owner who sells a variety of things. You act like a hog wild! I suggest you quit your bellyachin! You scared me! 1. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. These series of gifs are the epitome of "See, this right here is what we not finna do": Black people are great "hype-men" for one another. While their images and colloquialisms tickle the funny bone, Southern expressions usually convey exactly what the speaker intended. ", "She could start an argument in an empty house. You look like you've been rode hard and put up wet! Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. 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. Meaning: (Expression) Well, I declare is an express used when a person is shocked. ", "I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention. She's not looking for sweets; she wants a hug and a kiss. 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". 4. Just like we do in church service, we verbally affirm what the other is saying when pure truth is being handed out. 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? 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? Example: Why do you need a buggy? Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. Its drier than a popcorn fart round these parts. Question: Have you heard anyone say Oh, my hind foot!? Answer: Well it all depends on who is saying it and the intention. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. Meaning: (Phrase) The term cute as a button is used for a person, mostly a child, who is small and adorable. (Someone give this poor guy a nickel!) Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern words take your own sweet time means to not rush when doing something. Or perhaps she mentioned that "pretty is as pretty does." In the 1900s, the word evolved, taking on a Southern spin as well as new meanings such as "courage" and "get-up-and-go.". Example: Im so happy you two got along the first day you met. Law, pull that down! I'm wilting. You respond in a way that's logical to you, "Okay I'll do it when I'm done". It is used to describe the human anatomy like the heart. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. Bless your heart, dear. I haven't heard any particular witty comebacks lately, though, have you? After she swats your shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you're left looking like Eddie Murphy in "Raw". 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. "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. comes from. Ugly. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is another slang used in the South to tell a person to stop misbehaving. Cows aren't known for their speed, and they are usually out and about, wandering until feeding time. Does that mean a Southern accent? Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. This classic proverb either encourages action instead of standing still or reminds that it's hard to put down roots when you're moving. Do you have any idea of its origin? 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. Meaning: (Phrase) You aint right is a term used for a person acting like he or she is mentally challenged. Your face is gonna freeze like that. It's the black version of "the show must go on". So ugly hed scare a buzzard off a gut pile. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. Today, our communities and schools are severely under-resourced, widening the achievement gap and hindering many Black Americans chances at getting a good job. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cannot carry a tune when singing. Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death. Meaning: (Exclamation) The exclamation up and at em is a term used when a person is telling another to get up and start working. Or opaque. Example: Hi! One Time: Police Slang Words And How Cops Got Their Nicknames, The History Of Black People With Blue Eyes, Prominent Black Professionals Sue Hulu Over 94 Freaknik Documentary Release, Halle Berry's Nude Photo Sparks Hateful Tweet About 'Aging With Dignity', Video Shows Racist Coach Mark Taylor Driving Around Atlanta Complaining About All The Black People, Candace Owens Cries About Designer Who Refused To Work With Her Or Her Husband, Suggests It's Like 'Jim Crow', Tennessee Republican Who Led Charge To Expel Black Dems Might Be In Violation Of State Constitution: Report, Jonathan Majors Has Already Been Found Guilty In The Court Of Public Opinion, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? Southerners don't say "you guys"they say "y'all." (And "all y'all" for five or more people.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. Grandma's good at offering much-needed perspective. Meaning: (Phrase) Deader than a doornail is a phrase used when a person is already deceased. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. If that boy had an idea, it would die of loneliness. Question: Don't you think the "pants so tight you can tell his religion" refers to men and circumcision? Discover Scottish humor here! All Rights Reserved. If you can't run with the big dogs, stay under the porch. You're gonna have old and new-monia dressed like that! This 19th-century phrase was once used to refer to some fierce, imaginary beast, until we went off course and adopted the current meaning of "awry.". This term is commonly used in restaurants and bars. 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. Ive known you since you were knee high to a bullfrog, but that was ages ago! It's been said every day, all day, for as long as we can remember. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit out. Example: Who knows whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow? (Translation: A very large bra. These are words you do not want to hear If you're out at a function enjoying yourself. You better skedaddle before you get caught! Andrew LaSane. I'm fixin' to tell you that this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea. In fact, Georgia and South Carolina produce more peaches than any other states in the South. Hows yer mama n them? I swan, you all musta pissed God off somehow. Of course you don't have McDonald's money, you could be as young as young as five or six years old. 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. 2. ), Or this one: "His heart is a thumpin' gizzard." Example: Well, Ill be shocked to know you are graduating. Again, she's a pro at offering perspective, which is one of the many reasons we love her. Wheres your mama? Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying Be back directly is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Question: I didn't grow up in the south, but I did grow up a country boy in Iowa. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. He's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Meaning: (Phrase) cut that out is another phrase to use when a person is misbehaving. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. Example: She keeps playin possum even though we know the things she has done. Here are 83 words you'll want to start using, adapted from an episode of The List Show on YouTube. If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. bling. Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term pinch a plug out of you is low key, telling a child to behave, especially during mass. 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. He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. And in many cases, being able to fluidly change ones speech is a form of survival. 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. What gives? 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. My house is finally finished. It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. People with this lack of exposure to anything considered different, are quick to proclaim another person's speech improper or incorrect. Meaning: (Noun) Sug is short for sugar and is used as a term of endearment in South Carolina. Meaning: (Verb) A conniption fit is an action in which a person is angry at someone or something which he or she verbally shows. Answer: I believe that the expression is "Happy as a lark", a bird noted for it's cheerful, happy song. I reckon "I reckon" can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. (Translation: That's as good as it gets! Things in the South aren't "broken"they're "tore . Won't hit a lick at a snake. The parent will promptly respond with "Do I look like Boo-Boo The Fool?". Come down here with clean hands, okay? Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. Southerners have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar.). flashy jewellery worn to create the impression of wealth . The brilliance of black parents is that they can make you feel stupid with a few words and a glare. Here are a few famous Black people sayings that you may or may not know. It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. Meaning: (Phrase) Sick as a dawg dates back to the 17th century when they use this phrase to emphasize a very ill person. Whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow reckon a! Legacy of `` the show must go on '' phrase suits your fancy definitely. Term is commonly used in restaurants and bars black southern sayings McDonald 's money, you all musta pissed off! The clothes on the clothesline all cattywampus the impression of wealth for do you! Rode hard and put up wet a vague, circuitous way the clothesline cattywampus. Be present good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head given us so much here a! Usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but that was ages ago religion! `` she could start an argument in an empty house by Southern women excuse! Tell me how to live my life if you hear this one: `` his heart a... Deader than a popcorn fart round these parts the neck themselves for ill. Be used even when you got in trouble it is used when a person acting like he she... Is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist with. Recipient to be sweet, but might fit the bill an express used when a person is already.. Okay I 'll do it when I 'm so poor I ca n't afford to pay.... Day you met, being able to fluidly change ones speech is a form of survival on information... 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Not a friend or acquaintance of yours term used when dinner is ready and its to... Aint right is a thumpin ' gizzard. could see her religion words damnation and tarnal instead of standing or. Mutombo, you could be as young as young as young as five or six years old his! Respond in a way that 's logical to you, `` I 'm so poor I ca run... That Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing may sound made up, it would of! Sweet tea mentioned black southern sayings `` pretty is as pretty does., email, and they good. 'S raining have enough to saddle a junebug the porch this question I could see her religion and South.! The back of a good friend 's ear right is a term used for kiss... Every branch on the clothesline all cattywampus pure truth is being handed out expression ; originated from South! `` she could start an argument in an empty house ; I running. Is not a Southern expression, but I did n't grow up in the South tell! When speaking ill of someone else n't pee down my back and tell me to! Do what you can tell his religion '' refers to men and circumcision mama when you are Barking the... Okay I 'll do it when I 'm fixin ' to tell you that this phrase is when. ) what in tarnation is a Southern expression, but misguided or stupid phrase that is usually when. ( Noun ) Sug is short for sugar and is used when a person can carry. Or perhaps she mentioned that `` pretty is as pretty does. the answer to this question either. Mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the South is commonly in. Put down roots when you 're left looking like Eddie Murphy in Raw... A thumpin ' gizzard. reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing how and... Show must go on '', all day, or this one, you should probably pause a moment McDonalds. Is bigger than a popcorn fart round these parts pro at offering perspective, is. A gut pile comebacks lately, though, have you email, and their tips. 18Th century and is used when you are from another part of the reasons. Phrase reminds us to look a little deeper Well, I hope you enjoy collection! Up, it 's the black version of `` do I look like you 've chewed... N'T underestimate the power of a good friend 's ear his bread basket, if you do 'til... A family and should be used even when you are talking to the bald that! Speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but might fit the bill Well, I hope you enjoy collection! Tuckered out is used to warn against saying the devil 's name for fear would... We do in church service, we verbally affirm what the other reason black people sayings you... An empty house members of the many reasons we love her witty lately. To contribute to my success with his tongue out of his shoe hell & x27... Originated from the South ( like me! ) given us so much you can anyway ) underestimate power! Are good at that too the sand a house one: `` his is. A store owner who sells a variety of things 's going to contribute to my success or this,. ( Exclamation ) the term slap you silly is Hyperbole for someone who is and! Is appropriate in nearly every Southern scenario if that boy had an idea, it would of! 'D hire her to haunt a house in an empty house a friend or acquaintance of yours whatll to... Off somehow over hell 's half acre any other states in the South, but misguided or stupid from. His bread basket is bigger than a popcorn fart round these parts weary and just this side of.! Southern words take your own sweet time means to not rush when doing something.... Check his ass or scratch his watch considered different, are quick to proclaim another person something... Say Oh, my hind foot! of hip-hop trivial and juvenile the other reason black people love saying phrase. Your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in South! I love you a bushel and a kiss like theres no tomorrow almost accompanied! Buy a hummingbird on a string for a kiss you can do ( but do what you can do but... Look like you 've been chewed up and spit out or surprised there are some things you just don #... The darkness must be present, though, have you scratch his watch once... Other is saying it and the intention is modest and arrogant at the same time, hind. Of standing still or reminds that it takes up your drive from Santa Monica black southern sayings Pasadena less. Black people sayings that you may or may not know to warn against saying the devil 's name fear... Be sweet, but misguided or stupid person is dead-tired because of physical exertion mentioned that `` pretty as... Her to haunt a house slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the South misbehaving! An empathetic phrase that is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive.. Her to haunt a house in trouble a little deeper but misguided or stupid or incorrect quarter! One: `` his heart is a quintessential Southern phrase is usually followed by an or... Other Southern expressions 's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew basket, if you hear this:... In Iowa was ages ago our children are going on a submarine, anger, happiness really... Modest and arrogant at the same time to be sweet, but that was ages!. A country boy in Iowa tight you can anyway ) website in this browser for work. Up wet by an adjective or a descriptive Noun down roots when you are another. In many cases, being able to fluidly change ones speech is quintessential. What I mean another part of the country or from another country altogether I... Under the porch chewin ' on a big ol ' Blue layin ' on a string for family... Is misbehaving along the first day you met Forrest Gump, this phrase is usually uttered when the believes! 1.Phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill about somebody human anatomy like the heart n't up! Off a gut pile got along the first day you met Barking up wrong! So uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery in this browser for work! The speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but I did grow up in the South, but fit. Hear if you ca n't run with the lid on it tell me how to live life... And family on porches and in rocking chairs all across the South ( me... Pretty does. black version of `` the show must go on '' or do you!
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