Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America. It takes a strong woman to fill that cup Another throwback among the older matriarchs in the family. (Whatever makes you happy.) Meaning: (Phrase) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. As she says, "even articulate Americans sound foolish to the British". ), Or this one: "His heart is a thumpin' gizzard." While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. Furthermore, America is a "good ole' boys club", so even if a black person has the same education level and experience as a white man, they will be grossly underpaid. Example: Make sure you be back directly once you're done with the project. You dont know dip sh** from apple butter! I'm wilting. Over yonder toward the water tower. In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. It was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra. If you find only minnows, though, they look even smaller compared to the heavy catch you hoped for. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase happier than a dead pig in the sunshine refers to the feeling of bliss. Here are 11 things you should never say to someone from the South. This classic proverb either encourages action instead of standing still or reminds that it's hard to put down roots when you're moving. 2. This isn't a new phenomenon. This phrase means a person was pushed to his or her limit and can get angry any time soon. Instead of "Well, I swear," Southerners have adopted a geographically inspired alternative. When you're speaking to them, you speak with respect. She's pretty as a pumpkin but half as smart. She is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. Meaning: (Verb) A conniption fit is an action in which a person is angry at someone or something which he or she verbally shows. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. Those paperwork wont get filed by themselves! You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! Question: What is the meaning of the Southern saying "Low in the hole"? Some people say it's a derogatory statement, others have told me it's a good thing. For example, "She takes such good care of her elderly momma and daddy, bless her heart." You don't watch out, I'm gonna cream yo' corn. 1. If Grandma's calling you the "bee's knees," you must be doing something right. Who doesnt love the countryside, anyway? Collaboration is one thing. and 2) "I don't know? God knows my heart is code for Yes, I know my actions are wrong but God knows that deep down inside I want to do good; just way way deep. The loudest problems receive all the attention. He's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. Or, depending on where you live, it could be Sewanee, the small college town in Tennessee. You respond in a way that's logical to you, "Okay I'll do it when I'm done". I couldnt buy a hummingbird on a string for a nickel. I love your dress! Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. 1. When you arrive on the banks of the fishing pond on Saturday mornings, you're hoping for a good catchenough big catfish and bream to fry up for the family on Saturday night. Updated. (When shes more pissed off. More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers, She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. Question: What does the phrase "he's dumber than a mud fence" mean? Well be home on Saturday night. When people find out I'm from the South, they sometimes say some wild things. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.). If he were an inch taller, he'd be round. Example: Are you almost done with school work? Tri-tongued orator, Jamila Lyiscott gives a powerful 4 minute spoken word TED Talk on what it means to be "articulate". Grandma would not recommend buying something sight unseen. What Grandma says when you pull in the driveway, pop out of the car, and come running. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. That man is talking with his tongue out of his shoe. And if y'all have any more fine Southern sayings, well, bless yer pea pickin' hearts, just let 'er rip, tater chip, and jot them down in the comments section below. Lawd, people will be able to see to Christmas! Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great place to RV. This phrase is usually followed by an adjective or a descriptive noun. (I love you bunches. I'm burning slap up. Meaning: (Noun) A clodhopper is a word used to call or describe a person who is boring. Also try Black & Urban Slang Quiz. ", Question: Happy as a lart? in reference to him way too many times over the past few years. We like to sing this one to children.) The other reason black people love saying this phrase is out of pure pettiness. What gives? If you hear this one, it's best to slow down. My mother and aunts used to say this if they thought someone was telling a tall tale. This phrase is from John Keats' Endymion. (go for it all) This is a high compliment in the South, since Southern states are known for their peaches. This statement will be affirmed to you with a swiftness when you seem to forget who exactly you are speaking to. Maybe your daughter could teach her a thing or two about dressing appropriately. Ive said it so often to my grand nieces as they were growing up, this expression is now used by the girls. Hes so young. Don't underestimate the power of a good friend's ear. Well, that's all she wrote, y'all. Quit goin' around your ass to get to your elbow. Meaning: (Exclamation) In the Southern way of things, swearing is bad. Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. Barking up the wrong tree. Anything to the degree of "all get out" is something to talk about. He ran like a scalded haint. Example: I heard he was deader than a doornail. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! Meaning: (Noun) A ding-dong is a person who lacks common sense because he or she is mentally challenged. Southerners don't claim "territory"they claim "stompin' grounds.". Question: Don't you think the "pants so tight you can tell his religion" refers to men and circumcision? (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. Although we may not know these celebrities personally, we feel a kinship seeing that they represent the culture at large. Any idea where this one originated? Like some of the other Southern phrases, a few of these might not be appropriate in mixed company. Example: Jerk a knot in your tail if you dont want to be reprimanded in the middle of the supermarket! Gumption is spirit, courage, spunk, boldness, and initiative. 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. 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. Example: Hush up now! You'll most often hear it coming out of Mama's mouth when the kids are running amok. And of course, there's nothing prettier than a warm summer day picking peaches in the sunshine. (You've got yourself a lost cause, son.) Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. I could eat the north end of a south-bound polecat. The politics of black slang are tricky. It is a physical and mental state a few degrees past weary and just this side of dog-tired. My house is finally finished. Any of numerous rather large leaf-eating scarab beetles (subfamily Melolonthinae) that fly chiefly in late spring and have larvae that are white grubs which live in soil and feed chiefly on the roots of grasses and other plants. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. "One monkey don't stop no show" is pretty straight forward. When traveling abroad, it's usually wise to learn a few words and phrases in the native language to help in case you find yourself in a jam. Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. (One step above a hissy fit.). When you're fixin' to do something, it's going to happen, but you also may decide to take your sweet time. Why so sad? 3. Black parents rarely acquiesce to the non-life sustaining requests of their children. Example: "That's not going to work, son. At this point, your mom is slowly turning her neck around like that scene in the exorcist. Whatcha gonna do when the crick runs dry? Country Living editors select each product featured. Meaning: (Exclamation) Well, Ill be is an expression used when a person is surprised. When you've met the girl of your dreams, chances are she is "pretty as a peach." If you use this phrase, you could be declaring any number of things: surprise, dissent, happiness. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. Meaning: (Exclamation) The term Supper time! is used when dinner is ready and its time to call the members of the family to eat. Copy. 1. As a transplanted Yankee living in the South, I am often surprised and amazed by the colorful Southern expressions I hear. Means: Take the wrong approach or waste your efforts Real meaning: This is an old saying that originates in America and refers to hunting dogs in the early 19 th century. What's The Difference Between Y'all And Ya'll? i.e "She's as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart."; 2.an expression of sympathy or pity. (have a good time) Go off half-cocked. Meaning: (Phrase) Hug yer neck is a term used by older people when they want to hug the kids. I'm sure if you're a mother now, you may find yourself saying. Its only once in a blue moon we get to hang out. Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it. "My Eyeballs Are Floating". 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. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. It's cold enough to freeze the tit off a frog. Example: We told you that its not good to use swear words even if you think youre cool. The old-timers used to take that individual aside and share this gem of wisdom with them, which basically means if you make your life difficult youre going to have to deal with the consequences. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is often used as a prayer and a way to avoid jinxing oneself. If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Yohji Yamamoto. It was bad as all get out. Southerners tell it like it isno matter what it isso think of this as a learning moment. Example: Is she fixin to the garden? "She's pitching a hissy fit with a tail on it. Meaning: (Noun) Yall is a combination of two words you and all which makes it a unique Southern word. What sayings does your grandma always use? Example: She keeps playin possum even though we know the things she has done. Or opaque. Our mothers and grandmothers have given us so much. Putting five dollars on gas was suitable in the 90s when goods and services cost less, the economy was booming, and our wages werent stagnant. The South is well-known for having a way with words. Do you remember me? If I had my druthers. Meaning: (Adjective) The word precious means adorable but can also mean pathetic, depending on the situation. So, lets learn the Southern slang words and phrases to sound like a local now! Answer: No, I don't. Something smells bad enough to knock a dog off a gut wagon. In the same way you. is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. Answer: "I'm going to the house" is such a common expression, I'm not sure it originated in any specific region. 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