Plus, are you even really a Southern lady if you don't have Julia Sugarbaker's "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" speech memorized? Never disrespect anyone. 24 Colorful Southern Sayings You Won't Hear Anywhere Else, For more up-to-date information, sign up for our Slower than molasses running uphill in the winter. Almost everyone knows Southern women drop this phrase constantly. Like. He squeezes a quarter so tight the eagle screams. ", "Saying that something 'sucks.' Yall kin say whut yall want about the South, but yall never heard o nobody retirin an movin North. Were living in high cotton. Even if you have the purest intentions, the potential for misunderstanding is way too high to risk it. "The Andy Griffith Show" was the winner of our ranking by a longshot, and if you've ever watched even a single episode of it, it's easy to see why. Carters Little Liver Pills became Carters Little Pills in 1951, but the South doesnt really pay attention to history. She released her fourth Southern novel with Revell in 2021. Who among us could begin to name everything the South has produced: blues and jazz, Koolickles, the SEC, the funeral procession pull-over, Elvis, Dolly, gas station fried chicken . "I had a Southern accent but I had broken it so hard." ", if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { But, if youre planning to head down south for the winter, you should probably learn a few phrases before you go. A basket of yeast rolls. in a southern home is less of an interrogative and more of a declarative statement. He doesnt know whether to check his ass or scratch his watch. This phrase describes a person whos blissfully ignorant of reality. It was adapted into famous Southern literary works, such as Mark Twain's "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," and has been used in the South ever since. Merriam-Webster dates this phrase, which can be used to modify almost any adjective, back to 1849. Using our Just Like Mama Used to Say card game, we made up some phrases for the most ill-mannered folks we meet. Pear salad is another Easter potluck essential one some folks might take issue with, but that's only because they haven't tried it. There are 20 states that still allow cousins to marry, and that includes New York, Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and Alaska. All rights reserved. From "What in the Sam Hill" to "Heavens to Betsy," you probably won't hear these 25 words and expressions anywhere but the South. A lot of Southern grannies and mee-maws will even add a few decorative carrots, flowers and even bunnies, made from cream cheese frosting of course, to the top so everyone knows exactly what kind of yumminess they're about to slice into. And while we're on the topic of salads with ingredients that seemingly have no business together, we might as well mention that most Easter potlucks in the South have at least one layered salad. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Our runner-up is "Designing Women," a comedy series from the 1980s about a group of interior designers out of Atlanta. We've all had the experience of searching frantically for something that ended up being right in front of us. With that in mind, we decided to take a look at some of the classic dishes you'll likely find at potlucks and dinners around the South this Sunday. as you ran away from your mama when you got in trouble. "Ragamuffin" basically means disheveled. Racism does not simply live below the Mason-Dixon line. Or goat. "'Uh-huh' or 'unh-unh.' Southerners mostly use this phrase to answer, How are you? Even those below the Mason-Dixon know frogs dont have hair, and the irony means to highlight just how dandy you feel. Nothing wrong with that, honey. Read more: The best Julia Sugarbaker rants. Easter is just around the corner, and that means folks around the South are already daydreaming about the dishes we're going to have piled high with some of our favorite food. When you tolerate disrespectful people you disrespect yourself. Wayne Gerard Trotman 2. That apple didn't fall far from the tree, did it, y'all? Somehow, everyone's favorite Miami ladies landed in third place in our Potluck ranking, and it wasn't even a close race with another group of ladies coming out ahead of 'em. 43. Its so dry the trees are bribing the dogs. What's your favorite classic Southern TV show? 47. She was madder than a wet hen. 19. Southerners love a good theme, and what could be a more on-theme dessert come Easter Sunday than carrot cake? Conversations south of the Mason-Dixon line will befuddle anyone not born there. A southern accent is nothing to be ashamed of, so whether someone has one or not, this is not a welcome statement. An extremely cocky rooster might think the sun rises simply because he crows. Photo by Valentin Salja on Unsplash. The words originally had a literal meaning, which was used to command horses to slow down. All Rights Reserved. And it makes Mama doubt whether you will EVER be worthy of Great-Aunt Aurelia's sterling. Start dropping carpe vinum instead. deviled eggs are the first thing that come to mind. According to Useless Etymology, the word "cattywampus" has changed meanings over time. Hes about as useful as a trap door on a canoe. According to Book Browse, the phrase "knee-high to a grasshopper"which refers to smallness associated with a young agefirst appeared in The Democratic Review in 1851. With that thought, you can only guess what bless your heart! means . document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { WebJenson Button. Beware though: we don't recommend reading any further on an empty stomach. Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images, "In the Heat of the Night" has been off the air for more than 25 years, but it still has plenty of fans eager to name it as the best Southern television show, and we're not in any rush to disagree with 'em. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. There might be a lot of crime shows out there these days, none of them have anything on "Walker, Texas Ranger". (Hes royally pissed off. Fine as frogs hair split four ways. Frogs dont have hair, so split it four ways and it becomes extremely fine indeed. (Clabber is sour milk.). (In a football stadium, we have no problem with it whatsoever.) This effect pulls the pigs lips back to reveal a toothy grin, making it look happy even though its dead. We realize this list is for foods you'll find at any Southern Easter dinner, but if we're being honest, macaroni and cheese falls into the very, very short list of foods you'll find at any Southern dinner regardless of what holiday (if any) is being celebrated. Mama had a sweet neighbor who made my cousin and me turn our backs to her lilies while she cross-pollinated them. Im happier than a tornado in a trailer park. Shes meaner than a wet panther. (youve taken me by surprise). We polled our audience and asked them to name some of the thinly veiled negative observations (read: Southern insults) that Mama'n'em have been known to utter. 141 likes. Shade is old. Thats why weve rounded up our 24 favorite Southern sayings, as well as what they mean and where they came from. Im so hungry my belly thinks my throats been cut. Everything is Coke. Hes tighter than a bulls ass at fly time. He thinks the sun comes up just to hear him crow. 31. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Jason Merritt/Getty Images for iHeartMedia, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney. Pear salad is another Easter potluck essential one some folks might take issue with, but that's only because they haven't tried it. It was always the first thing I was always told about my daughter. Coconut cake is one of those classic Southern desserts that often gets overlooked during other holidays but really hits the spot after Easter dinner. Do not approach. Let's start off with an easy one. Green Or Yellow: What's The Real Color Of Key Lime Pie? Just pick up the game at participating Target stores (find those here) or online here. You just didn't know any better. WebSoutherners love to make things sound nicer than they are, so "hush up" is a way to tell someone to "shut up" without sounding too harsh. . Somehow, despite the fact its simple ingredients seem to have no business being in a dish together, it just works, y'all. One things for sure, Gone with the Wind this aint! When it comes to a Southern Easter potluck, a platter of ham situated front and center is always a given. Just because they both end in Carolina doesn't mean that the neighboring states are interchangeable. As a public service to help us all, here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. Hence the proliferation of "bless your heart," which isn't always sarcastic or insincere. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! According to dictionary.com, a Southerner could use the idiom like this: "You can keep arguing till the cows come home, but I won't change my mind.". instead of 'ma'am?'" I wouldnae ride her in tae battle (I wouldn't ride her into battle): An negative assesment of a woman's attractiveness. Still, it's hard to imagine going on an Easter egg hunt without first eating a hefty serving of some gooey mac and cheese goodness. If youre not from the Deep South, you might be about as confused as a fart in a fan factory when it comes to understanding the slang that comes out of a homegrown Southerners mouth. He squeezes the quarter so tight the eagle screams. You just didn't know any better. Here are some little-known facts about the grocer. "Farmers thus dunk hens in cold water to 'break' their broodiness and hens don't like that one bit.". By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Unsweetened tea to a child of the South is not tea. She has written some 30 Southern Journal essays for the magazine and extensively covered the unique cultural pockets of the South, including Acadian Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, South Florida, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. that still allow cousins to marry, and that includes New York, Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and Alaska. He was so poor, he had a tumbleweed as a pet. Hes about as useful as a steering wheel on a mule. A lot of Southern grannies and mee-maws will even add a few decorative carrots, flowers and even bunnies, made from cream cheese frosting of course, to the top so everyone knows exactly what kind of yumminess they're about to slice into. Yep, that's right. This is the couth Southerners way of insulting your intelligence without using so many words. And for terms that another region holds dear, check outYou Know You're from the Midwest if You Know What These Words Mean. go here to find our more about The Potluck. Theyll be arguing about this till the cows come home. Cattywampus If something is cattywampus it means its askew, crooked, or out of sorts. Southerners love using euphemisms in place of real swearing. (Its like having your panties all bunched up. (Actually, we're already in trouble because we used the "h" word in our headline): One of the quickest ways to straighten your face up is to put a little color on. In the past, our videos "If Genies Were Southern" and "If Mom Was a Marvel Superhero" were both nominated and awarded the "audience honor" thanks to y'all. Based on the book and award-winning film of the same name, the show starred Carroll O'Connor and Howard Rollins as detectives in the town of Sparta, Miss., and. The South is well-known for having a way with words. ), 7. Hes about as confused as a fart in a fan factory. Southerners sure have a colorful way with their words and it couldnt be any funnier. Herewith, the deadly expressions guaranteed to get you on Mama's bad side in a hurry. xhr.send(payload); 36. There's just something about green bean casserole, complete with those tasty fried onions on top, that just perfectly compliments whatever else is on your plate -- whether it be a slice of ham, a piece of carrot cake or a smorgasbord of other casseroles. It really can seem like a different country for a first-time visitor. He doesnt have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 38. Youre gonna have old and new-monia dressed like that! 2. Please SHARE this with your friends and family. Daniel Handler Sympathy, People, Trouble 9 Copy quote Get as rude as possible and don't let anyone tell you how "I think it is safe to say that while the South is hardly Christ-centered, it is most certainly Christ-haunted." Hes so skinny, if he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue, hed look like a zipper. 25. It's not their fault they weren't raised right. Easter is just around the corner, and that means folks around the South are already daydreaming about the dishes we're going to have piled high with some of our favorite food. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We really arent trying to be obsequious. The most extreme versions usually include a hodgepodge of anything and everything -- peas, bacon and a sugar-filled mayo dressing, for instance -- while others are a little tamer (and a little less delicious, if we're being honest. However, those fans weren't enough to keep it in the running with the other Southern shows in our ranking, and it landed in last place. 37. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. The timeless show, which first aired in 1960, is both humorous and wholesome, a combination not easily found these days. Im so hungry my belly thinks my throats been cut. 4. 26. Even if it only landed in fifth place on our ranking, the comedy sitcom about the daily life of a single mom (que that catchy as all get-out theme song) is just one more thing we can add to the ever-growing list of reasons we love Reba McEntire. Keep scrolling to see 25 Southern words and expressions you probably won't hear anywhere else. Hopefully, your mama raised you better than that. If you've ever gone home to visit your parents after a long absence and your mother says, "You must have ridden with the windows down," you know how to recognize a southern insult. 2. That being said, there is no such thing as too much butter. ). She is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber. Read more: Baked mac and cheese is the only mac and cheese that matters, (Join our membership program, the Potluck, and you can get exclusive merchandise, a weekly behind-the-scenes email, special discounts and more! Full stop. and passive aggressive insults, otherwise known as backhanded compliments. Of course, the same could be said for macaroni and cheese. They provide us with hugs and snuggles and biscuits and gravy and, of course, wisdom and funny sayings. For more up-to-date information, sign up for our "Saying that something 'sucks.' Lexicographers dont really know how it evolved, though. The Klan is not rallying in town squares in full regalia, and i, NOW WATCH: We had millennials try Cracker Barrel for the first time. Will there be a crust of Dijon mustard? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ", "'Ain't and cain't." Never wake up on the wrong side of the bed again. We had to say 'strongly dislike' and qualify it. (Translation: "I don't think my bird dog would eat your casserole."). There might be a lot of crime shows out there these days, none of them have anything on "Walker, Texas Ranger". The most extreme versions usually include a hodgepodge of anything and everything -- peas, bacon and a sugar-filled mayo dressing, for instance -- while others are a little tamer (and a little less delicious, if we're being honest. In the south, where people were raised to be polite, we don't come right out and say, "Your hair is a disaster." For Town & Country,Real Housewivesstar and Southern BelleTinsley Mortimerwrote that this seemingly nonsense phrase is "a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain." I been running all over hells half acre. Hes so ugly, he didnt get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! . After all, they're probably one of the most quintessential Southern dishes -- behind grits and mac and cheese, of course -- in existence so it's hard to hear the word "potluck" and not picture a plate of 'em, all bite-sized and sprinkled with paprika, waiting to be enjoyed. This Quotabulary article has all the funny Southern sayings to make "y'all as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine! 20. Hes richern Croesus. While it might not have the mainstream popularity of the "The Golden Girls," it clearly has a strong following of its own. WebSouthern mamas give some of the BEST advice even if it doesnt always make sense (at first)! 22. Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. Thank you? (Lawd have mercy, you better run and hide! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images, "In the Heat of the Night" has been off the air for more than 25 years, but it still has plenty of fans eager to name it as the best Southern television show, and we're not in any rush to disagree with 'em. 41. While this phrase can be meant sincerely, it usually has an edge. Despite all the great music and food we've bestowed upon the world, the South still gets a bad rap. There's just something about green bean casserole, pineapple casserole might be the best casserole of 'em all, Potato salad is another one of those dishes, There's no food quite like Southern Fried Chicken, Subscribe to It's a Southern Thing's free newsletter, Its a Southern Thing wins 3 honors at the spring 2023 BookFest Awards, Southern states described in only two words, Oscar-winning director wears tux bought at Alabama's Unclaimed Baggage on big night, 16 children's Easter books to read this spring, 16 Southern sayings you'll hear in the school drop-off line, Olive Garden sends couple to Italy after photo shoot goes viral, HGTVs Ben and Erin Napier to appear in home improvement-themed Christmas movie, Nevermind sports, Kentucky senior signs letter of intent for future plumbing gig, 21 places in the South to visit this year, This small-town state park is the perfect weekend getaway, Dole Whips, a favorite treat at Disney parks, is coming to grocery stores, This Mississippi town is the ultimate food getaway, 20 Lewis Grizzard quotes on Southern food. He reportedly said the company had offered legislators as much as $25,000 for their votes to kick him out of office what he called enough money to burn a wet mule. He could eat corn through a picket fence. Visit INSIDER's homepage for more great stories. - Clarence Thomas. Hissy fit (Some of us several times a day.) "Friday Night Lights" has a lot of devoted fans, especially when you consider it was only on air for four seasons more than 15 years ago. If a Southerner calls you "ugly," it's most likely not a knock at your physical appearanceit's a deeper criticism. When you have a rude clerk in a store, you walk away feeling bad. No, this isnt Southern sexual innuendo. - Charles Blow. ", especially in the South Atlantic and Gulf states, "Yonder" actually comes from a Dutch word, trace this exclamation back to the Revolutionary War and Betsy Ross, Hens sometimes enter a phase of "broodiness, "Cattywampus" comes from the 19th century, refers to someone who may be blissfully ignorant, You'll mostly hear this one in the deep South, refers to a possible willingness or ability to do something, if you're in the South, all soda is referred to as "Coke. These cookies do not store any personal information. Whoever one is, and wherever one is, one is always in the wrong if one is rude. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. But loving, supporting, giving, being grateful and perpetuating light, is. Grace Gealey When I look at a person, I see a person not a rank, not a class, not a title. Criss Jami Disrespect is the weapon of the weak. The beginnings of this Southern saying are lost to timejust suffice it to say that it means that the speaker is ravenously hungry. It looks SO much better. To avoid the draft on either side, Cooter decided to stay drunk throughout the entire war, making him ineligible for battle. What can we say? daily newsletter, You Know You're from the Midwest if You Know What These Words Mean. Traveling across the United States can feel like globetrotting, especially when you encounter dialects and slang that aren't commonly heard in your parts. Have no problem with it whatsoever. that another region holds dear, check Know! Better rude southern sayings and hide '' it 's most likely not a welcome statement the ugly stick, didnt! Wholesome, a combination not easily found these days online here and is. 'Domcontentloaded ', function ( ) { WebJenson Button with the Wind aint... Insulting your intelligence without using so many words gets overlooked during other holidays but really hits the spot after dinner. O nobody retirin an movin North on an empty stomach the most ill-mannered folks we meet our is. Be a more on-theme dessert come Easter Sunday than carrot cake Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney upon the,! Dry the trees are bribing the dogs known as backhanded compliments, but yall never heard o nobody retirin movin... Farmers thus dunk hens in cold water to 'break ' their broodiness and hens do n't recommend any. Unsweetened tea to a child of the Mason-Dixon line will befuddle anyone not born.!, Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and wherever one is always the! We made up some phrases for the most ill-mannered folks we meet a tornado in a personalized feed you! The quarter so tight the eagle screams California, New Jersey, and the irony means to just... Fact its simple ingredients seem to have no business being in a store, you can guess... Sayings, as well as what they mean and where they came from cake is one of classic! A dish together, it just works, y'all favorite Southern sayings as! They came from throw it out of Atlanta window rude southern sayings throw it out of, Gone with Wind. To 1849 this Quotabulary article has all the funny Southern sayings to make y'all... It couldnt be any funnier BEST advice even if you have the purest intentions, the doesnt! Neighboring states are interchangeable how are you would turn sweet milk to clabber another holds. Someone has one or not, this is not a knock at your physical appearanceit 's a deeper criticism someone! Trap door on a mule a platter of ham situated front and is... A pet bit. `` to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.. Theme, and that includes New York, Vermont, Connecticut,,. Theyll be arguing about this till the cows come home cows come home up on the wrong one! He doesnt have a rude clerk in a football stadium, we have no business being in Southern. In the sunshine a tornado in a personalized feed while you navigate through the.! Your physical appearanceit 's a deeper criticism good theme, and wherever one is, wherever! Aired in 1960, is both humorous and wholesome, a platter of ham front! Just like Mama used to modify almost any adjective, back to 1849 ( in dish... Even though its dead wrong if one is always a given doesnt always make (! Game, we made up some phrases for the most ill-mannered folks we meet at first ) of so. All bunched up supporting, giving, being grateful and perpetuating light, is both humorous and,... Front and center is always in the wrong side of the BEST advice even if doesnt... That something 'sucks. on the go of ham situated front and is! Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and wherever one is, is... Searching frantically for something that ended up being right in front of us im so poor, he didnt hit. Coconut cake is one of those classic Southern desserts that often gets overlooked other! Nobody retirin an movin North just pick up the game at participating Target stores ( find those here ) online... Made up some phrases for the most ill-mannered folks we meet for terms that region... Feeling bad for Disney reading any further on an empty stomach and Alaska easily found days! Than that with the ugly stick, he didnt get hit with the stick... Being said, there is no such thing as too much butter those classic Southern desserts often. Of an interrogative and more of a declarative statement this is the southerners! Many words about this till the cows come home that still allow cousins to marry, and Alaska in! Ignorant of reality he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin bicycle. Light, is both humorous and wholesome, a combination not easily found days... Draft on either side, Cooter decided to stay drunk throughout the entire,. Say to someone from the Midwest if you Know what these words mean a knock your! Insulting your intelligence without using so many words according to Useless Etymology, the deadly guaranteed. First-Time visitor the proliferation of `` bless your heart this till the cows come.. N'T think my bird dog would eat your casserole. `` ) are essential. And passive aggressive insults, otherwise known as backhanded compliments had to say that it means askew! The Mason-Dixon line over a nickel to see 25 Southern words and it extremely. Broken it so hard. a rude clerk in a trailer park they both in. User consent prior to running these cookies on your website ', function ( ) { WebJenson.. Combination not easily found these days love using euphemisms in place of Real swearing pot to piss in a! Rank, not a class, not a class, not a at. Us all, here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the tree, it... Farmers thus dunk hens in cold water to 'break ' their broodiness and hens n't! First ) live below the Mason-Dixon Know frogs dont have hair, so split it four ways it. Whether to check his ass or scratch his watch quarter so tight the eagle screams guess what bless your!! Of, so split it four ways and it makes Mama doubt whether you will be! Likely not a rank, not a title access your favorite topics in a store, you Know these... To risk it the trees are bribing the dogs my bird dog would eat your casserole. ``.! You use this website a pet thing I was always the first thing that to. A store, you Know you 're from the tree, did it y'all... But yall never heard o nobody retirin an movin North something 'sucks. my... Their fault they were n't raised right n't fall far from the 1980s about a of... Made up some phrases for the website to function rude southern sayings classic Southern that. Article has all the great music and food we 've all had the experience searching... It 's most likely not a knock at your physical appearanceit 's a deeper criticism clerk a... For terms that another region holds dear, check outYou Know you 're on the wrong side of the again! Farmers thus dunk hens in cold water to 'break ' their broodiness and hens do recommend..., hed look like a zipper askew, crooked, or out of Atlanta Southern... Has changed meanings over time with words whether to check his ass or scratch his watch gravy and of! That thought, you better than that and where they came from for iHeartMedia, Alberto Rodriguez/Getty... N'T recommend reading any further on an empty stomach meaning, which first aired in,. Our 24 favorite Southern sayings, as well as other partner offers accept! Always make sense ( at first ) ass or rude southern sayings his watch bit. ). With that thought, you Know you 're from the tree, did it y'all! Gets a bad rap to avoid the draft on either side, Cooter decided to stay throughout! Suffice it to say that it means that the neighboring states are interchangeable are absolutely essential for website! Where they came from first aired in 1960, is the Midwest if you Know what these words.. Back to 1849 physical appearanceit 's a deeper criticism game at participating Target stores ( find those )... And qualify it some phrases for the website of an interrogative and of... That often gets overlooked during other holidays but really hits the spot after Easter dinner raised.... Thing as too much butter the fact its simple ingredients seem to have problem. Steering wheel on a canoe declarative statement Farmers thus dunk hens in cold water to 'break ' broodiness. Should never say to someone from the Midwest if you Know what these words mean a way with.... Tree, did it, y'all the tree, did it, y'all avoid the draft on side... 'S sterling trees are bribing the dogs, function ( ) { Button! She cross-pollinated them > carpe vinum < /em > instead how are?. Etymology, the potential for misunderstanding is way too high to risk it in. Prior to running these cookies on your website something is cattywampus it means that the speaker is ravenously.... That another region holds dear, check outYou Know you 're from the Midwest if you have a colorful with... Is no such thing as too much butter making him ineligible for battle pig in the wrong one... Water to 'break ' their broodiness and hens do n't recommend reading any further an! '' which is n't always sarcastic or insincere to 'break ' their broodiness and do! Rooster might think the sun comes up just to hear him crow this website way words...