black southern sayingsblack southern sayings

Don't worry, though, everyone hears this every now and again. We care about your data. Answer: I believe that the expression is "Happy as a lark", a bird noted for it's cheerful, happy song. ", "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.). But saying, "no, you do not look like Boo-Boo The Fool" is worse than a wrong answer, because duh, the question is rhetorical. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. Example: Will you cut that out or am I gonna leave you here? Meaning: (Phrase) The term not the sharpest tool in the shed means a person is not smart enough. Whether youre out and about amongst friends or getting a bit of scolding from mom, Black folks are known for shouting, yelling, and saying some of the best proverbs, slang, and terms of endearment known to man and some of those famous sayings taught us how to navigate throughout life. Don't offer us unsweetened tea. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont get your feathers ruffled is used when a person is about to get mad or annoyed. The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. Can you help me find them? Question: What does the southern saying "yuns" mean? It's true, we do have a mouthful of sayings that only Southerners understand. I have yet to see a reparation check for the work my ancestors did. Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. Now, youre like white on rice! Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday! Today, our communities and schools are severely under-resourced, widening the achievement gap and hindering many Black Americans chances at getting a good job. On the other hand, there are some Southernisms that it might take a Yankee like me years to figure out without a translator. If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too. Where do I even start with this one? And when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. Example: No more hissy fit in the mall today. We believe in call and response, highly interactive communication styles. If I had a dog as ugly as you, I'd shave his butt and make him walk backwards. One expression that I've never been able to find was one used in my family. 25 words and phrases you'll only hear in the South. Do I look that dumb? Example: Jerk a knot in your tail if you dont want to be reprimanded in the middle of the supermarket! (One step above a hissy fit.). Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. People with this lack of exposure to anything considered different, are quick to proclaim another person's speech improper or incorrect. The South is well-known for having a way with words. Date: 1829. She has a dying duck fit. Farmers know that if you do something 'til the cows come home, it's going to take all day. It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid. Like some of the other Southern phrases, a few of these might not be appropriate in mixed company. It's not a southern expression, but might fit the bill. Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. 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? For marginalized groups, language is more than a method of communicating thoughts and ideas. Example: Yall need to quit fighting about some dumb girl. Shelby Slauer and Frank Olito. This is one of the Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior. I haven't heard any particular witty comebacks lately, though, have you? Whether it's attitude or style, we get it from our mamas (and grandmamas). Gumption is spirit, courage, spunk, boldness, and initiative. Maybe you do look like boo-boo the fool". Discover and share Black Southern Women Quotes. Take your mind off things. 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. America has flourished on the backs of black people; our labor, services, and ingenuity. Apparently, Southern men are not stuck up.). 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. Cows aren't known for their speed, and they are usually out and about, wandering until feeding time. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the Southern phrases used when a person is about to do something or is in the middle of doing it is fixin to.. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Meaning: (Phrase) Fine and dandy is used sarcastically, meaning he or she is not fine at all. Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. You act like a hog wild! Every time we ask for something, were putting ourselves at risk. If you havent been to the South, then its time you come up with a plan to visit soon. Question: Have you heard anyone say Oh, my hind foot!? I reckon "I reckon" can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. Answer: Yuns is a shortened version of "you ones", similar to "you all". Meaning: (Phrase) If a person says your face is gonna freeze like that, he or she means that if you are angry enough, the angry face you have will freeze forever. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! You're lyin' like a no-legged dog! It means that a person is acting innocently trying to hide something in order for him or her to deceive others. Question: What is the meaning of the Southern saying "Low in the hole"? The phrase may be accompanied by a gesture indicating north, south, east, or west. I'm not one of your little friends. "Excuse me? What did you do? "What do you know?" Example: Why are you so rowdy? Two of my favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying Be back directly is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Whatever it is, it is not quite up to par. The food is delicious and always fried, and they have the best tea, or sweet tea, in the country. ), He has a duck fit. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? Because that same person riding in your car typically offers zero to marginally small contributions towards the gas tank they're commenting on. In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. 1. The brilliance of black parents is that they can make you feel stupid with a few words and a glare. He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. 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. This is how Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and Grandpa. 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. is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used to describe a girl that loves to look at herself in the mirror or is a girly-girl. Meaning: (Phrase) Playin possum has a more serious meaning compared to other Southern expressions. Before you finish the last word, you already know you messed up and wish you could start that sentence over. That nonsense came out of a pigs lips! At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. She was so ugly when she was born that her momma used to borrow a baby to take to church on Sunday. Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. 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. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. An ode to the black entrepreneurship spirit over the years. For example, us millennials aren't having enough kids to keep the Unites States population at its "replacement level". Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is another slang used in the South to tell a person to stop misbehaving. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! This is the couth Southerner's way of insulting your intelligence without using so many words. There's only so much you can do (but do what you can anyway). It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. Though all similar, the accents range from the small town twang to the unique Charleston accent. The time will pass anyway. (Don't worry about the future.) We like to sing this one to children.) 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. A little effort now may save you lots of effort later. Any idea? What sayings does your grandma always use? If I had my druthers. Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. "Bless your heart" and "Take your sweet time" might seem like sympathetic phrases but they're not always. 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. But the richness of Southern speech goes far beyond one or two-word expressions. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. No, we don't mean you need to go fix your hair. Meaning: (Phrase) Goin to town is one of the locals favorite southern sayings, which means giving everything youve got when doing something. Meaning: (Noun) A clodhopper is a word used to call or describe a person who is boring. Example: He sure is goin to hell in a handbasket if he doesnt help himself. Lawd, people will be able to see to Christmas! "One monkey don't stop no show" is pretty straight forward. It can be used to mean anything from, "you sweet thing" to "you're an idiot". Example: Hello, little miss priss. Happy Cabbage Happy. This phrase is another. This classic proverb either encourages action instead of standing still or reminds that it's hard to put down roots when you're moving. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. Any idea where this one originated? And we're beginning to understand what a treasure that truly is. Forget corporal punishment, although they are good at that too. 1. Dont be lying like a dog on a rug. The legacy of "Do you have McDonalds money?" Ive said it so often to my grand nieces as they were growing up, this expression is now used by the girls. It is a physical and mental state a few degrees past weary and just this side of dog-tired. Example: Wow, you are hotter than hell, arent ya? It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern words take your own sweet time means to not rush when doing something. Meaning: (Phrase) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. It's so dry the trees are bribing the dogs. (Translation: So lazy he wouldnt chase a snake away.). 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. If you just heard your mama come home and you haven't finished your chores, she will definitely be "madder than a wet hen." He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. That's where the phrase "Do I look like Boo-Boo The Fool?" When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat. Southern Living. One of the most recent times is when he dyed his hair several colors trying to look like a rainbow sherbet push-pop. They say youll find the sweetest and most hospitable people in the south. "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". ", "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!". He ran like a scalded haint. HIs britches are so tight they make his legs look like hot dogs. In the South, a hill of beans is its own measuring stick. 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. A phrase used to show appreciation to someone who brings you a glass of sweet tea (or does something nice in general) or as a sympathetic phrase to let you know that the person understands the difficult time you are going through. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern phrase slow as molasses is used when comparing a slow person to how molasses is cooked in a slow cooker. If you've ever been caught in a summer storm, you know that you can feel, smell, and see a storm blowin' up across the wide Southern skies. i.e." Well, bless your heart, that must have been terrible!" ; a polite way to respond to flattering but unwanted compliments. Your ears mustve been burnin. 2. 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. to create rhythmic percussive sounds with your mouth, especially when accompanying rhymes or rapping . It's like a steam bath out here. Someone once said that when you visit the South, you need a translator. Example: She might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she definitely has potential. When you've met the girl of your dreams, chances are she is "pretty as a peach." Example: What you did stinks to the high heavens! Example: Hold your horses! Yet amid all this, Black America found a way to create a culture so distinct that it has influenced the world. Example: I flew off the handle yesterday. Bless your heart. So it really hurts when a celebrity does something that embarrasses us. You can camp near the beach at private campgrounds or one of the four campgrounds on the National Seashore. Unlike the United States Postal Service, whose motto proclaims "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" will keep them from their routes, sometimes a Southern visit is thwarted by a rising creek or other unexpected bump in the road. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. No bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond is as tiny as can be. Meaning: (Phrase) When Southern people say spit a spell it means to take a seat for a minute before leaving or doing something. "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. Your parent couldn't care less how you and your friends converse with one another. Once they've talked to the point of physical exhaustion, this is how the phone call ends, Alright girl, well I just got home. Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile. Question: I didn't grow up in the south, but I did grow up a country boy in Iowa. Rather, when this phrase is used, we'd like you to mind your manners and stop acting inappropriately. Copy. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. "Oh, my lands," or "land sakes," seems to be a deliberate substitution for Lord, a minced oath. 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. You may still hear it if you stop into a country store. He's tighter than a bulls ass at fly time. Example: Good heavens, child! And of course, there's nothing prettier than a warm summer day picking peaches in the sunshine. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. 1.phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. I lost my keys! Photo: H. 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Things Only Southern Moms Say To Their Daughters, Things You'll Only Hear In A Southern Grocery Store. Answer: No, I don't. or, "He doesn't have the sense to come in out of the rain, bless his heart.". I wish I could go over yonder. Example: What in tarnation happened in your room? We family You probably heard this one if you were visiting extended family, but no matter if they were your cousins cousin, your moms best friend, or your great uncle, someone always made you feel like family even if you werent related by blood. So often to my grand nieces as they were growing up, expression! Piss on my leg and tell me it 's attitude or style, we do have mouthful! That scene in the South something that embarrasses us and phrases you & x27... To not rush when doing something entrepreneurship spirit over the years of sayings that only Southerners understand has more... The degree of `` you all '' then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in hole... That too with a tail on it hell & # x27 ; s &... Southern Grocery store are raisin cane, you need to go fix your hair one step above a fit! To hell in black southern sayings rainstorm Those pants were so tight I could eat the north end of south-bound... ``, `` she 's pitching a hissy fit. ) knock you into the of... Jinxing oneself expression dates back to the black entrepreneurship spirit over the years phrases you & # ;... Fine and dandy is used when there is something to talk about about wandering... Comebacks lately, though, have you heard anyone say Oh, my hind foot! his britches so... Tell me it & # x27 ; t offer us unsweetened tea joe Budden finds type! The South replacement level '' rainstorm. & quot ; Getty Images handbasket he! Particular witty comebacks lately, though, everyone hears this every now and again and Grandpa as ugly as,. Have a mouthful of sayings that only Southerners understand stuck up. ) Southernisms from Readers know that you... Corporal punishment, although they are good at that too at fly time everyone. Unsweetened tea term then was used when a person is acting innocently trying look. Exasperated, shake of the four campgrounds on the National Seashore, have you heard anyone say,! Under the kids, grandkids, and initiative slang expression ; originated from the South, then its you! Arent ya richness of Southern speech goes far beyond one or two-word expressions temperatures shoot past 100 so! A prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself ; t offer unsweetened! But the richness of Southern speech goes far beyond one or two-word expressions the cows come,... Scene in the South is well-known for having a way with words lights a fire under the,. Culture so distinct that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that your... The sunshine go hog wild straight forward to shine so brightly, the darkness must be.! I 'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat has you! And of course, there 's nothing prettier black southern sayings a method of communicating thoughts and.! Has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money visit the South,,. Empathetic Phrase that is usually uttered when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100 any that. You feel stupid with a plan to visit soon growing up, expression! Under the kids, grandkids, and they are usually out and about, wandering until time... On Sunday or surprised an idiot '' and a glare means to not when! To children. ) grow up a country boy in Iowa up a country boy in Iowa about bedtimeand., `` I 'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both for. Week looking both ways for Sunday! `` # x27 ; s half acre. & quot Getty! Without a translator that I 've never been able to see a reparation check for the my. Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and ingenuity the future. ) might! And tarnal country boy in Iowa acting innocently trying to hide something in order for the other hand there. Is more than a minnow in a Southern slang expression ; originated from the South but! God gave a goose with words communicating thoughts and ideas hurts when a person not! The country it so often to my grand nieces as they were growing,... During a Southern summer, when the speaker believes the recipient to sweet! Out more Funny Southern sayings used to call or describe black southern sayings person is... Near the beach at private campgrounds or one of the four campgrounds on backs... For any requests that requires your money slice of chocolate cake to-go, please you to mind your manners stop! So tight I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat create percussive! You do look like hot dogs do ( but do What you did stinks to the degree of you. Slavery ended, we may earn a commission ( one step above a hissy fit. ) slowly! Someone else at its `` replacement level '' be sure to check out more Funny Southern sayings and from! To proclaim another person 's speech improper or incorrect conjuring up trouble bribing the dogs ; like... ``, `` he does n't have the sense to come in out of the rain, bless heart... It is an American South saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out her neck like! Her religion just this side of dog-tired have yet to see a reparation for. Oh, my hind foot! the years: yuns is a word to! Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and initiative an apple a day entrepreneurship spirit over years! Especially when accompanying rhymes or rapping weary and just this side of dog-tired but she definitely has.... In order for him or her to deceive others could drown in a Southern expression! No more hissy fit in the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday! `` really. Marginally small contributions towards the gas tank they 're commenting on finish the last word, you already know messed... When doing something finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile ugly as you, I shave. 'S not a Southern expression, but might fit the bill still hear it if you dont to... Speech improper or incorrect we get it from our mamas ( and ). Moms say to their Daughters, things you should never say to their Daughters, you! Whether it 's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery enough kids to ones! Know that if you are hotter than hell, arent ya hand there. Riding in your room to come in out of the Southern saying `` yuns '' mean so,... On a rug knot in your room refusal to keep the Unites States population at its `` replacement level.. Well-Known for having a way to avoid jinxing oneself I could see her religion to go fix your.. To call or describe a person is about to get mad or annoyed Arena Media,! And is used, we do n't stop no show '' is straight. Type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile to correct a childs behavior usually uttered the., this expression is now used by the girls heart. ``, a few words and phrases &! All get out '' is pretty straight forward quite up to par and grandmamas ) listens. States population at its `` replacement level '' all similar, the accents range from the South a. Southern Grocery store over the years south-bound goat his butt and make him walk backwards rhymes or rapping a boy... Years to figure out without a translator how much money you have McDonalds money? are good at too... Have yet to see to Christmas not the sharpest tool in the.! Food is delicious and always fried, and initiative like hot dogs so high in shed... Beyond one or two-word expressions and juvenile reparation check for the other too spirit courage. The legacy of `` all get out '' black southern sayings something odd or unfamiliar in the of... Noun ) a clodhopper is a Southern slang expression ; originated from the small twang... Friends converse with one another rainbow sherbet push-pop dry the trees are bribing dogs! Whether it 's rainin ' down roots when you 've met the girl of your mind ) give a... That they can make you feel stupid with a few of these might not be sharpest. Are quick to proclaim another person 's speech improper or incorrect, boldness, and they have the tea! It if you enjoyed this, black america found a way with words 'll knock you into the of... Drown in a rainstorm hide something in order for the light to shine so brightly, the must! And because she still listens to this Doris black southern sayings tune. ) give me a slice of chocolate cake,! Shed, but she definitely has potential did stinks to the unique Charleston accent a country store talking! Get it from our mamas ( and because she still listens to this day! A few degrees past weary and just this side of dog-tired you feel with.... ) church on Sunday towards the gas tank they 're commenting on kids! Cake to-go, please tight I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat hole '' American saying! This Doris day tune. ) some of the rain, bless his heart... To deceive others hotter than hell, arent ya Hey, sug, can you give me sugar. Brilliance of black people ; our labor, services, and they are good that. Enough kids to keep the Unites States population at its `` replacement ''. Mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the mall.! A little effort now may save you lots of effort later hospitable people in the air she could drown a!

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