He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. There are some things you just don't say to someone from the South (like me!). Example: I dont like her style, bless her heart. Every time we ask for something, were putting ourselves at risk. Example: Well, Ill be shocked to know you are graduating. If Grandma's surprised, you'll hear this immediately. (Translation: Apparently pretty happy.). It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. 'Cause she's Grandma, that's why. 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. And in many cases, being able to fluidly change ones speech is a form of survival. Poor boy! One of the most recent times is when he dyed his hair several colors trying to look like a rainbow sherbet push-pop. He don't know s**t from shinola. If his brains were dynamite, he couldnt blow his nose. Example: Spit a spell and drink some sweet tea I prepared before you continue with work. Have you heard any of these classic phrases? Example: Make sure you be back directly once youre done with the project. AP/Doug Parker. The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. The Migos quickly follow suit, echo some expletives reminding Mr. Budden where they come from and that their background is a lot tougher than the red carpets they now walk on. Example: How have you been? Example: I never touched the crock pot. 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. What sayings does your grandma always use? While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. Wikimedia Commons . Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. Grinnin' like a possum eatin' a sweet tater. Whatever it is, it is not quite up to par. (go for it all) If you are planning to go on a trip to the South, you can read these Southern slang words and phrases and learn how they talk. Beyonc of black phrases) Do you have McDonald's money? Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. He squeezes a quarter so tight the eagle screams. For example, "She takes such good care of her elderly momma and daddy, bless her heart." Meaning: (Phrase) The South Carolina term hold your horses means to wait and be patient. Meaning: (Phrase) Cotton pickin minute is an intensifier used as a Southern saying that means to move at a speed of how much time it is to pick a basketful of cotton which is around 1.31 minutes. Example: Careful, now. Answer: I believe that the expression is "Happy as a lark", a bird noted for it's cheerful, happy song. He's so rich he buys a new boat when he gets the other one wet. (in bed early) Go whole hog. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She's not looking for sweets; she wants a hug and a kiss. 30 Hilarious Southern Sayings That are Sure To Impress the Locals, Rob Lowe Shares the Secret to His Marriage, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Meaning: (Noun) A ding-dong is a person who lacks common sense because he or she is mentally challenged. Example: Our children are going on a trip. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. 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? If you've just had a big Southern lunch, complete with cornbread, collard greens, and pecan pie, you're definitely full as a tick. I was surprised as all get out. You are slow as molasses! Example: Make sure you be back directly once you're done with the project. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Like some of the other Southern phrases, a few of these might not be appropriate in mixed company. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! National Parks and Monuments in the US showcase some of the most unique and stunning areas of this country. A multipurpose Southernism. Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. If you use this phrase, you could be declaring any number of things: surprise, dissent, happiness. Your parent couldn't care less how you and your friends converse with one another. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. Over yonder down the road. She's so ugly I'd hire her to haunt a house! Your ears mustve been burnin. Because "Whose Mans Is This" is only said when someone did something so wild and outlandish, the rest of the party needs to know where this person came from and who brought them, because it is time for them to go. There are few things more annoying than a passenger peering at my dashboard giving me unsolicited advice. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. Won't hit a lick at a snake. It's cold enough to freeze the tit off a frog. We chose 15 of the most ridiculous Southern sayings and tried to explain them. Example: Well, I declare! Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. 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. Any idea? Here are a few famous Black people sayings that you may or may not know. Put that on top of your head and your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it. Thats in a month of Sunday! It is used to describe the human anatomy like the heart. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont get your feathers ruffled is used when a person is about to get mad or annoyed. I'm just happier than a dead pig in sunshine to have all y'all visiting me here today and taking the time to sit awhile and share your thoughts. ", "I been running all over hell's half acre. ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. I love your dress! Example: She keeps playin possum even though we know the things she has done. 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". Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern phrase slow as molasses is used when comparing a slow person to how molasses is cooked in a slow cooker. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. ), He has a duck fit. Black people built this country for free and were the backbone of the economy during slavery. 2. They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase goin to hell in a handbasket is a phrase used for someone who is hopeless and will deteriorate because of endless problems. Does that mean a Southern accent? The parent will promptly respond with "Do I look like Boo-Boo The Fool?". Who doesnt love the countryside, anyway? Bless your heart. 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. Hold on the microwave is on in the kitchen and Im in the bathroom, Ill call you back. Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! It's like walking through soup out here. Some say farmers used to dunk their hens when they got broody. You're working too hard to convince people who are already on board. Meaning: (Phrase) Plumb tuckered out is used when a person is dead-tired because of physical exertion. They even teamed up with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots to turn their hit song into into a jingle using only office supplies. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. 2. (Now this one I've heard in New Jersey). Example: Lord willin and the creek dont rise, Ill be there to support you! The dogs would then sit and bark at the base of the tree, waiting for their masters. You werent raised in a barn. Example: Yall need to quit fighting about some dumb girl. If you havent been to the South, then its time you come up with a plan to visit soon. Example: You mean to say hell be back at Christmas time? Some folks prefer country wisdom. It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. America has flourished on the backs of black people; our labor, services, and ingenuity. If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. 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. Growing up in a black household, nothing is really yours; your parents are simply kind enough to let you temporarily and carefully use something. Example: Why do you need a buggy? It's the black version of "the show must go on". Also, your parent calling your friends "little" is not in regard to stature, they could all be over six feet tall. Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. Meaning: (Phrase) cut that out is another phrase to use when a person is misbehaving. Made famous by Forrest Gump, this phrase reminds us to look a little deeper. That would make a bishop mad enough to kick in stained glass windows. Also called June beetles. Yes, lawd. i.e." Well, bless your heart, that must have been terrible!" ; a polite way to respond to flattering but unwanted compliments. Divide equally, and everyone will be happy. I lost my keys! Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. 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. You're lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut. 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