If that boy had an idea, it would die of loneliness. Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a pool table. Hows yer mama n them? That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most used Southern sayings go outside and get me a switch means that a child should find something his or her parents would use to spank him or her for doing something wrong. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Southerners don't claim "territory"they claim "stompin' grounds.". 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. "All get out" finds its way into Southern phrases constantly, and it intensifies any statement. Whatcha gonna do when the crick runs dry? If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. 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". When the Lord was handin' out brains, that fool thought God said. Meaning: (Phrase) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. Why so sad? What Southerners Say About Being Cheap 1. I'm gonna whup you where the sun don't shine! ", "You don't watch out, I'm gonna cream yo' corn. He's so rich he buys a new boat when he gets the other one wet. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. Answer: Yuns is a shortened version of "you ones", similar to "you all". You may still hear it if you stop into a country store. Meaning: (Noun) Gizzard is one of the weirdest yet cleverest Southern words today. Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. Well only get milk and tea. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person wont stop complaining. Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. Example: You made this pecan pie? But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. But saying, "no, you do not look like Boo-Boo The Fool" is worse than a wrong answer, because duh, the question is rhetorical. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. My house is finally finished. Example: Lord willin and the creek dont rise, Ill be there to support you! You're working too hard to convince people who are already on board. beat box. 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. Example: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything during summer afternoons. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person is found to be very attractive or hot, he or she is hotter than hell. Yohji Yamamoto. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. In Black American English, this phrase means asking for something in a vague, circuitous way. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. Put that on top of your head and your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it. I'm sweatin' like a hog. This is one of the Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior. 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. The brilliance of black parents is that they can make you feel stupid with a few words and a glare. And the tone in this question is without regard to our egregious student loans, deflated wages, high rent, as if it's purely by choice. Watch Matthew McConaughey School Hugh Grant and Charlie Hunnam in Southern Slang, 135 Best Dad Jokes That Are Actually Funny, 20 Things Southerners Love To Say About The Weather, If You Know These Sayings, You Definitely Grew Up in the South, The Difference Between Being Done And Being Finished, Things Mama Whispers During A Southern Funeral, 30 Fishing Quotes That'll Make You Want to Get on the Water, 38 Southern Chicken Names For Your Favorite Bird. Do you want anything? It's been said every day, all day, for as long as we can remember. ", "I been running all over hell's half acre. Any idea where this one originated? I have a hankerin' for biscuits and gravy. (And, of course, we have too.) He's so highfalutin' he thinks his sh*t tastes like sherbert. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. 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? 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. He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. If you grew up in the church this one will ring so many bells. "We're living in high cotton." Cotton has long been a key crop to the South's economy, so every harvest farmers. Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. We always have that one family member who just cant stay out of trouble. If you've just had a big Southern lunch, complete with cornbread, collard greens, and pecan pie, you're definitely full as a tick. Since we'd never dare hang up the phone while Mama's chatting away, this may be the only way to end your conversation in a timely manner. I dont know why Black people just cant say "I have to go, good talking to you, bye". If it gets any hotter, I'll have to take off stuff I really ought to keep on. I cant believe youre home! Question: Do you have any insight on where the expression "I'm going to the house" comes from? These are words you do not want to hear If you're out at a function enjoying yourself. In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. I think the "oh, my hind foot" expression is just a cleaned up version of, "oh, my a**. Settle in, because whatever we're talking about is going to take all day. Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. Because National Parks are often located far off the beaten path, and sometimes even in wilderness areas, visitors need to plan ahead to get the most out of their visits. "My Eyeballs Are Floating". He was so poor, he had a tumbleweed as a pet. I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday! This occurs when someone feels too comfortable with you and has taken your demeanor as an indicator that anything can be said or done. Apparently, Southern men are not stuck up.). 2. What's The Difference Between Y'all And Ya'll? You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. 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. Perhaps they are used to conversing with people who allow this type of behavior. 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"! He was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. Example: Oh, foot! But we've just realizedthey've passed down their vocabularies too. Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. 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. "You better know that schoolwork the same way you know them songs"- It was your mom or grandma's way of saying to keep. At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. It can also refer to a person without a care in the world. Ive heard the expression 100 times but not sure if lart is the right word or if Ive been misunderstanding. Example: Hi! "See, this right here is what we not finna do" means just what it sounds like it means, "this conversation, this situation, is not going to happen". Southerners have plenty of ways to express surprise, another example of which is "Well I'll be John Brown," sometimes also said as "Well I'll be John Browned." This expression refers to John Brown. I feel like I been 'et by a wolf and sh** over a cliff. This one was always a reminder to praise the lord and hold on to his powerful hand. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. 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. Question: What is the meaning of the Southern saying "Low in the hole"? Example: Up and at em! ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide. Take your mind off things. 9 out of every 10 black women has weekly phone calls so long that it takes up your drive from Santa Monica to Pasadena. That's just a lost ball in high weeds. Generally, I have not heard comments about men's pants at all. You're lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut. ), (The most creative expression about liars I've heard in the North is "Lying like a rug." 4. Whether it's attitude or style, we get it from our mamas (and grandmamas). It was bad as all get out. 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". (You've got yourself a lost cause, son.) On the other hand, there are some Southernisms that it might take a Yankee like me years to figure out without a translator. In the same way you. Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). Don't worry, though, everyone hears this every now and again. They say youll find the sweetest and most hospitable people in the south. Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term pinch a plug out of you is low key, telling a child to behave, especially during mass. Example: Wow, are you testing me? Example: Wow, Im jealous of where youve been! Its only once in a blue moon we get to hang out. For marginalized groups, language is more than a method of communicating thoughts and ideas. Yet, this is exactly why you cleaned the whole house, massaged your moms back, told her you loved her and put a smile on your face before quietly entering her room to ask for a Happy Meal. Yet amid all this, Black America found a way to create a culture so distinct that it has influenced the world. Note: The phrase is attributed to Flannery O'Connor It's quieter than a mouse peeing on cotton. 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. Although we may not know these celebrities personally, we feel a kinship seeing that they represent the culture at large. Youll e raisin cane if you dont stop. i.e." Well, bless your heart, that must have been terrible!" ; a polite way to respond to flattering but unwanted compliments. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. There are plenty of names for crawfish, but Southerners prefer crawdad. Example: Well, I declare! Do you have McDonald's money is the first-ballot Hall of Fame, Stephen Curry unanimous MVP, GOAT, Michael Jordan of black phrases. When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. He's so skinny, if he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue, he'd look like a zipper. It was also once used to warn against saying the devil's name for fear he would appear. Don't go borrowing trouble. Here are 83 words you'll want to start using, adapted from an episode of The List Show on YouTube. We heard all of these adages growing up, and we couldn't help but pick up a few ourselves. The time will pass anyway. The loudest problems receive all the attention. You act like a hog wild! Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. We believe in call and response, highly interactive communication styles. And if you don't understand that the question is rhetorical, you will piss your parent off even more because they will further question your processing skills. Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death. People with this lack of exposure to anything considered different, are quick to proclaim another person's speech improper or incorrect. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. 2. Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. Everyone will get a piece of cake. (go for it all) I'm so hungry my belly thinks my throat's been cut. Meaning: (Onomatopoeia) These Southern words mean that a person should keep quiet or stop talking. Southerners have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar.). The phrase may be accompanied by a gesture indicating north, south, east, or west. He ran like a scalded haint. Answer: I think that "law" is actually a form of "Lord", possibly calling on the lord tor help or understanding. A multipurpose Southernism. (Don't worry about the future.) Example: Jerk a knot in your tail if you dont want to be reprimanded in the middle of the supermarket! Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. This is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I got five on it. A little effort now may save you lots of effort later. Example: If it suits your fancy, definitely go for it. 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. Because that same person riding in your car typically offers zero to marginally small contributions towards the gas tank they're commenting on. 2. Please move faster. While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. This phrase is from John Keats' Endymion. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. Example: Supper time, kids! Example: Come here and give me some sugar! Andrew LaSane. You'll most often hear it coming out of Mama's mouth when the kids are running amok. Also: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is not a particularly a Southern saying. I love your dress! Meaning: (Phrase) When you caused trouble or is caught in the middle of it, then you are like a bull in a China shop. Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. Apparently Carter had a great many pills, because the phrase found its way into the Southern vocabulary. Some pests messed it up last night. You look like you've been rode hard and put up wet! She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Another staple for black parents. Its been a long time. I suggest you quit your bellyachin! And when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. This phrase can be intensified by the addition of the word "way," as in "way over yonder.". Question: I'm from Northern Alabama. I'm burning slap up. Gumption is spirit, courage, spunk, boldness, and initiative. Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. Country Living editors select each product featured. I'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat. Well be home on Saturday night. Example: Who knows whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow? Example: Is she fixin to the garden? He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! She's pretty as a pumpkin but half as smart. I been running all over hell's half acre. Meaning: (Phrase) I reckon is a quintessential southern phrase for I suppose.. Use this guide to decipher common Southern phrases and to translate Southern pronunciations. My favorite saying. Here are a few famous Black people sayings that you may or may not know. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? No, we don't mean you need to go fix your hair. As soon as this phrase is said, you immediately stop what you're doing and head over to see what happened. Meaning: When you have to use the bathroom really, really bad. That dog won't hunt. This phrase isn't about physical appearance. This one originates from the 19th century, when Carter Products marketed "Little Liver Pills" across the country. I guess we dont want to make the other person feel like we're no longer interested in their conversation. 5. Example: I cant believe you couldnt find your phone. I'm fixin' to tell you that this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea. So, lets learn the Southern slang words and phrases to sound like a local now! So ugly shed make a freight train take a dirt road. If you're traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out. Example: Of course, hes fit to be tied! (Translation: Ya got meI don't know what a popcorn fart is!). Over yonder down the road. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. Good Lord, I'm dying out here! Example: We told you that its not good to use swear words even if you think youre cool. I lost my keys! (As we Yankees say, "These people don't know which way is up. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. In the South, a hill of beans is its own measuring stick. Keep it up and I'll cancel your birth certificate. Before you finish the last word, you already know you messed up and wish you could start that sentence over. No one can mistake the intent and meaning of "I'm going to jerk a knot in your tail!" I was so appalled and hurt that I had to ask this dreadful question, because at the moment he definitely was not my mans. Because those walls aren't shatterproof. You better know that schoolwork the same way you knowthem songs- It was your mom or grandmas way of saying to keep studying your schoolwork the same way you would memorize a song, albeit it in a much stricter tone. And of course, there's nothing prettier than a warm summer day picking peaches in the sunshine. This phrase refers to two people that have a close relationship, they stick together all the time. Answer: "Bless your heart" is sort of an all-purpose expression. Answer: I believe that the expression is "Happy as a lark", a bird noted for it's cheerful, happy song. Do I look that dumb? Well, that's all she wrote, y'all. You've got that part on there Wrong Sudadderds." He squeezes a quarter so tight the eagle screams. Divide equally, and everyone will be happy. Meaning: (Verb) A conniption fit is an action in which a person is angry at someone or something which he or she verbally shows. 5) Just tryna make a dollar out of fifteen cents. 3. Discover and share Black Southern Women Quotes. 1. It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. These sayings are sure to bring back a host of memories and a ton of laughter and of course, some Southern pride. 2. ", "Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. I reckon "I reckon" can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. Example: Im heading out to get a coke. Also, your parent calling your friends "little" is not in regard to stature, they could all be over six feet tall. Unarguable Southern criticism. Do you remember me? It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) Have You Heard These Southern Compliments? Could you kindly share that your food with me?" a dry beggar would say something like: "That food looks really good. Example: I never touched the crock pot. This phrase deserves a whole post alone. More than a warm summer day picking peaches in the South, if you think youre cool are &. Know the answer to this question tryna make a dollar out of fifteen cents and get settled few. The eye of the Arena Platform, Inc. other product and company names may. Feel a kinship seeing that they can make you feel stupid with a few famous Black people sayings you. Learning moment early 20th century names for crawfish, but southerners prefer crawdad insight on the. Of memories and a way to avoid jinxing oneself should be used even when you are about... Many bells 's so skinny, if he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue out of fifteen.. 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