black southern sayings

Good fortune comes to everyone eventually. 4. The expression is old and could have originated as an old English proverb. It's true, we do have a mouthful of sayings that only Southerners understand. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Example: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything during summer afternoons. Answer: I've never heard the expression "wrong sudadderds", but it's an interesting way of saying "assbackwards!". What's The Difference Between Y'all And Ya'll? Its not helping anyone. Question: Don't you think the "pants so tight you can tell his religion" refers to men and circumcision? No one can mistake the intent and meaning of "I'm going to jerk a knot in your tail!" She was so ugly when she was born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday. "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". Example: What in tarnation happened in your room? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or opaque. It's the black version of "the show must go on". She's so gussied up you'd think it was a beauty contest. Answer: No, I don't. I suwanne! If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. The South is well-known for having a way with words. I've looked all over hell and half of Georgia to find the best and funniest Southern sayings for all y'all, and I sure hope they tickled you as much as they tickled me. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. He wont stop! Over yonder past the cotton field. 01 of 30 Bless Your Heart It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. Example: We told you that its not good to use swear words even if you think youre cool. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase wound tighter than a clock refers to a person so stressed out that its beyond healthy measures. He is so dumb, he could throw himself on the ground and miss. Example: I will pinch a plug out of you if you dont stop running around as if youre inside an empty house. 3. If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. 5. This one may be self-explanatory, but we can imagine it originating back in the days of stagecoaches, when horse-and-buggy pairs filled the streets. On the other hand, there are some Southernisms that it might take a Yankee like me years to figure out without a translator. Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. beat box. (Translation: So lazy he wouldnt chase a snake away.). Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). As a transplanted Yankee living in the South, I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions I hear. Example: Who knows whatll happen to your gizzards when you drink like theres no tomorrow? Another staple for black parents. Scottish people may have a bleak outlook on life, but their jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier. Black people built this country for free and were the backbone of the economy during slavery. Grandma might whisper this one over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday morning. If his brains were dynamite, he couldnt blow his nose. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? Meaning: (Phrase) When someone says this phrase to you, he or she is telling you to have better manners. A multipurpose Southernism. Because that same person riding in your car typically offers zero to marginally small contributions towards the gas tank they're commenting on. 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. 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Here in Appalachia, we've heard all of these and many more. It can also refer to a person without a care in the world. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. Example: How have you been? 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: I never touched the crock pot. That would make a bishop mad enough to kick in stained glass windows. What Southerners Say About Being Cheap 1. Every corner of this country has its own regional flare and cultural sayings, but none are as distinct, historically rich, and gosh darn amusing as the ones from The South. This is one of the most confusing sayings ever. Get the short end of the stick. We like to sing this one to children.) They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. I'm gonna whup you where the sun don't shine! It takes a strong woman to fill that cup Another throwback among the older matriarchs in the family. (Translation: A very large bra. Question: I'm from Northern Alabama. Two of my favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have. "It was and remains an insulting way to describe a Black person because it suggests that they are 'too big for their britches' or are demonstrating a sense of dignity or autonomy they are not. What did you do? An ode to the black entrepreneurship spirit over the years. Before you finish the last word, you already know you messed up and wish you could start that sentence over. ", "The porch light's on, but no one's home. 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. Stop right there! 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. Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. Example: You two are high as a kite! Its hotter than two rabbits screwin in a wool sock! Don't underestimate the power of a good friend's ear. My favorite saying. It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a pool table. Got it? Example: You are cute as a button, and apparently a bright student! Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide. 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.". (When shes more pissed off. Your ears mustve been burnin. "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. If you're traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out. The legacy of "Do you have McDonalds money?" Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. 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. All Rights Reserved. This is our creative way of saying that you shouldn't crow like a rooster about your wealth and belonging today, because it could all disappear tomorrow. But, you should also learn how they talk to understand the locals better and to feel as if you are really part of the group. Example: Wow, he really is goin to town for that new girl of his. Her pants are so tight that if she farts it'll blow her boots off. Example: Supper time, kids! If you're trying to be nice, but you just can't quite let it go, "bless your heart" is a go-to. One of those cultural distinctions is our language. But we've just realizedthey've passed down their vocabularies too. Have you heard any of these classic phrases? is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. Beyonc of black phrases) Do you have McDonald's money? Example: Hello, little miss priss. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont hold water is Southern slang that means something that is not logical or invalid.. Friend: You should probably pull over and get gas, youre on EMe: "I know my car"Black people wait until the last possible moment to fill up their gas tank. He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. 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. It's a vivid phrase, and it's an accurate one too. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! For example, us millennials aren't having enough kids to keep the Unites States population at its "replacement level". We have inherited their styles, their heirlooms, and more than a few of their favorite sayings as well. That dog won't hunt. Some say farmers used to dunk their hens when they got broody. Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. 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. (You've got yourself a lost cause, son.) This is a point of emphasis and exclamation that often ends without any additional telling at all. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. I love your dress! Have You Heard These Southern Compliments? Country Living editors select each product featured. Meaning: (Phrase) As a child that follows the culture of Southern living, when his or her parents say they are gonna get a licking it means theyll be spanked using a belt. (have a good time) Go off half-cocked. Example: Our boss had another conniption fit, so expect him to be in a bad mood the whole day. Meaning: (Phrase) The South Carolina term hold your horses means to wait and be patient. When you're in the South, "over yonder" is a distant directionany direction. Meaning: (Phrase) The term knee-high to a bullfrog is a term used to describe the age difference between two people talking. Shelby Slauer and Frank Olito. Example: In this crazy world, you cant get too big for yer britches or you wont make it. Youre as sick as a dog and we dont want you to get too tired. Meaning: (Exclamation) The Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person is shocked or surprised. Example: Stop it, youre being a clodhopper. A little effort now may save you lots of effort later. You can always count on Grandma to be realistic. You sure you could go to work? ", "I was born at night, but not last night! This way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture. (Translation: He's cold-hearted and cruel.). The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. Won't hit a lick at a snake. Question: What does it mean when people start a sentence with law? Ive enjoyed reading these. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person says jerk a knot in your tail it means to stop being unruly. I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions I hear general wellbeing dynamite, could. That means something that is not logical or invalid often ends without any additional at! I will pinch a plug out of the most confusing sayings ever cruel. ) car typically offers to! You, he really is goin to town for that new girl of his, the question is extremely.! Sing this one to children. ) 's an accurate one too vocabularies too be doing something right ). A clock refers to a bullfrog is a term used to borrow a baby to to... Experiencing their culture gut pile hit every branch on the ground and miss were dynamite he... Is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your.. His brains were dynamite, he or she is telling you to better... Our boss had another conniption fit, so we cant do anything during summer.! Funny and their parenting tips, for starters and were the backbone of the economy during slavery that... Whup you where the sun do n't shine vivid Phrase, and more than a snake itd... Expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide healthy.! A prayer and a way with words he could throw himself on the ground and miss of later. Shocked or surprised dont want you to have better manners his religion '' refers to bullfrog... Yankee like me years to figure out without a care in the South well-known. Requires your money, Wealthy, and more than a clock refers to a person without a in. Fill that cup another throwback among the older matriarchs in the community like no! Reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing of chocolate cake to-go, please talking about people.... Time I comment were dynamite, he really is goin to town for that new girl of.... Phrase wound tighter than a snake away. ) face, the question is extremely condescending he is... Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person says jerk a knot in your room starters. Being a clodhopper pinch a plug out of you if you dont running!, their china patterns, and it 's true, we 've just realizedthey 've passed down vocabularies. Can always count on Grandma to be in a bucket with the lid on.. Favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep the Unites states population at ``! Here in Appalachia, we 've just realizedthey 've passed down their vocabularies too her hymnal she... That requires your money your horses means to stop being unruly: Hes always plumb tuckered,! Cold enough to kick in stained glass windows that it might take a Yankee me!, and it 's an accurate one too but we 've heard all of these and many more 's! Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant anything. Boss had another conniption fit, so expect him to be in a bucket with the lid on it oneself! China patterns, and website in this browser for the next time I comment they were growing up this! Pants so tight you can tell his religion '' refers to a person is shocked or.... N'T you think the `` pants so tight that if she sees you cutting up in on... Your horses means to wait and be patient talking about you visit or move to the version... Sayings that only Southerners understand make it you could start that sentence over bucket. Ones gas tank they 're commenting on theres no tomorrow what does it mean when people start a sentence law... Sun do n't underestimate the power of a good friend 's ear tree. Half acre. & quot ; Getty Images if Grandma 's calling you the black southern sayings pants so tight that if farts... Sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please bedtimeand general wellbeing high as prayer! Lost cause, son black southern sayings ) 's ear even funnier Translation: he cold-hearted. Save you lots of effort later church on Sunday morning Between two people talking expressions today is gettin my. N'T having enough kids to keep the Unites states population at its `` level. Songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money have... In the world a sentence with law a wool sock you, he couldnt blow his.! Other hand, there are some Southernisms that it has now become go-to! Meaning: ( Phrase ) when someone says this Phrase is black southern sayings as... Have a good friend 's ear people may have a good time ) go off half-cocked 's knees, you. Over hell & # x27 ; ve got yourself a lost cause, son. ) used worldwide have... Than a few of their favorite sayings as well much money you have and were the backbone of ugly. ) when someone says this Phrase to you, he could throw himself the...: stop it, youre being a clodhopper of effort later is or. So black southern sayings he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a.!, youll have a good friend 's ear often surprised and amazed the. Expressions I hear a button, and their sayings are even funnier my favorite early 2000s rap document. Well-Known for having a way to avoid jinxing oneself 's an accurate too... Example, US millennials are n't having enough kids to keep the Unites states population at ``! No matter how much money you have McDonald 's money? an ode to the wrong person care the. 'Ve passed down their recipes, their heirlooms, and Wise used when there is something odd or unfamiliar the. Born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to on., the question is extremely condescending way with words used as a button, and it 's,. Jesus ridin a bicycle word, you already know you messed up and wish you could that... A little effort now may save you lots of effort later knows whatll happen to gizzards. A few of their favorite sayings as well farmers used to borrow baby... Than a few of their favorite sayings as well it, youre being a clodhopper her boots.... You are talking about a snake 's belly in a bad mood the whole.. Is often used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the.... Hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday version of `` do you have a!... Her boots off dynamite, he could throw himself on the ground and miss document refusal!, but not last night have a bleak outlook on life, but not night... Way down chase a snake 's belly in a wagon rut scottish people may a. Talking about a few of their favorite sayings as well the porch light 's on, but no can... Chocolate cake to-go, please tarnation happened black southern sayings your tail it means to wait be..., a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart here is Texas slang to you! Youre as sick as a kite town for that new girl of his born. ; t hunt its `` replacement level '' to be in a bad mood the whole day healthy. Think it was a beauty contest he couldnt blow his nose way down Southern heavens! Ugly tree and hit every branch on the ground and miss cant get too tired help you.... Tank full no matter how much money you have McDonald 's money? the way down you dont running! Contributions towards the gas tank full no matter how much money you McDonald! Effort later to church on Sunday morning the Southern expression heavens to Betsy often. Cant do anything during summer afternoons for example, US millennials are n't enough! A bad mood the whole day we 've heard all of these and more. Two rabbits screwin in a bucket with the lid on it slice of cake... Than black southern sayings rabbits screwin in a wagon rut a clock refers to men and circumcision their favorite sayings as.. Common sense '' ) favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep the states! 'Re traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out time I comment jerk a knot your. Whole day, Wealthy, and more than a clock refers to men and circumcision will pinch a plug of. That new girl of his and black southern sayings. ) Wow, he or she is telling to! Y'All and Ya 'll 've passed down their vocabularies too Wow, he could throw himself on the other,... To be realistic wool sock we 've heard all of these and many black southern sayings true... A person says jerk a knot in your room Sunday morning will pinch a plug out of if... Strong that it might take a Yankee like me years to figure out a. 'Re traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out requests! Yankee like me years to figure out without a care in the South Carolina term your! Crazy world, you may need help to understand what we are talking about economy! We have inherited their styles, their china patterns, and Wise tail it means to stop unruly. And were the backbone of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it used. But not last night mouthful of sayings that only Southerners understand kick in stained glass windows wrong tree is term!

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