If you’re from the South, you will understand this post. If not, then you’ll learn about some popular southern sayings and their meanings before you leave.
The American South has a reputation for a lot of things: its southern style cooking and soul food; potlucks; entertaining and warm hospitality; a deep love of football, and our funny-sounding colloquialisms and southern sayings. Some might agree that the southern dialect could be its own language in need of translation.
When it comes to their own jargon, Southerners like to speak in metaphors, similes, and hyperbole. They also love to appear incredibly polite with their southern sayings, and if you’re unfamiliar with the language you may be getting insulted without even knowing it. And since they make it sound so darn charming, you’ll almost want to forgive them for it right away.
Here are a 50 southern sayings you might hear if you head south and what they mean.
Southern Sayings
“Y’all”
Y’all being the quintessential southern phrase has several meanings in its own rights. The word typically refers to a group of people being spoken to. It can be directed towards a group or even an individual that is inherently part of a group (even if the rest of the group isn’t present). If you visit or live in the South you will no doubt here this word.
“We’re Living in High Cotton”
Cotton has long been a key crop in the South’s economy. If you’re “living in high cotton” it means you’re feeling particularly successful or wealthy.
“Bless Your Heart”
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. It can be said sincerely, but when said in the South, it can also have an edge to it and be accompanied by a good-natured shake of the head. A sympathetic phrase usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid.
“I Reckon”
To suppose or believe something to be true. “reckon” could be substituted for I believe, imagine, suppose, think and more. It’s what you say when you’re telling someone something that you believe to be true.
“If the Creek Don’t Rise”
We’ll be there unless something out of our control stops us. We do our best to keep our promises, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances come up. Like trying to meet a friend for lunch but having the car breakdown on the way. To cover your bases you might say, “I’ll see you then if the creek don’t rise.” It’s a way of saying you fully plan to be there or get something done as long as nothing out of your control stops you.
“Fixin’ To”
This phrase is as southern as sweet tea. When you’re fixin’ to do something, you’re about to do it, and it will get done. It probably won’t get done right away though as you are probably fixin’ to take your sweet time in getting started.
“Hill of Beans”
In the South, a hill of beans is its own measurement. A hill of beans isn’t worth much whether you’re talking about volume or value which means whatever you’re talking about is worth less than very little.
“Over Yonder”
Over yonder is a distant direction in any direction when you’re in the South. If you need to ask someone for directions the phrase “over yonder” just might be in their answers. “Where’s the nearest restaurant?” “Oh, it’s just over yonder and down the road. The distance can be emphasized by the addition of the word “way” as in “way over yonder”.
“She Was Madder Than a Wet Hen”
Have you ever seen a wet hen? If you have, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Hens sometimes go through a phase of “broodiness”. They’ll stop at no length to incubate their eggs and get agitated when you try to collect them. Hens use to get dunked in cold water to “break” their broodiness. This phrase is used to describe a woman who is beyond furious and is using that anger to cause a scene.
“‘Til the Cows Come Home”
Sit back because this could take all day. Cows aren’t known for their speed. They usually meander about until feeding time. A Southerner knows that if you’re going to do or talk about something till the cows come home, it’s going to take all day. – “They’ll be arguing about this till the cows come home.”
“Cattywampus”
If something is “cattywampus” it means it’s askew, crooked, or out of sorts. For instance, if the shelf on your bedroom wall is crooked, you would tell someone it was cattywampus.
“Pot Calling the Kettle Black”
This phrase is used when someone is guilty of the very same thing in which they are accusing someone else.
“It’s Blowin’ Up a Storm”
You can feel, smell, and see a storm blowin’ up across the vast southern skies. At a moments notice, the skies can darken and summer afternoons are filled with churning winds and heavy rain clouds that cool down the southern summer heat. You might hear this phrase when a person sees these changes start to develop and goes inside to tell others that, “It’s Blowin’ Up A Storm”.
“She’s As Pretty As a Peach”
This is a high compliment in the South. This saying is used to compliment a girl, in fact; it is a common adage. Southern States are known for peaches, notably Georgia and South Carolina since they produce more peaches than any other state in the South. The compliment is likely to be given to a girl who has a beautiful complexion and blush-colored cheeks. Just like the prettiest of peaches, one can pluck from a tree.
“I’m So Full I’m About to Pop”
After a big ‘ole southern meal complete with collard greens, cornbread, and pecan pie, it’s probably pretty accurate to say you feel like you’re about to pop.
“I’m About to Fly Off the Handle”
You’ll hear this in the South when one has been pushed to their limit and is about to lose their temper over it.
“Doohicky”
The name for an object one can’t remember the name for or never knew in the first place. Other variations are thingamajig and whatchamacallit.
“Gimme Some Sugar”
Not literally passing the sugar, this phrase means more like “come over here and give me some of that sweetness – give me a kiss!” Often heard from grandma and grandpa when they see their grandbabies (another southern term) and want to give kisses as much as receive them. This phrase is mostly used among loved ones. I should also note that it would be pronounced “sugah” as we rarely use “r’s.”
“Carry Me to the [Store]”
Many southern transplants have been confused when hearing this phrase for the first time. Carry me means “provide me with transportation to a destination.” It can sound strange when hearing it if you’re not raised in the South.
“Busy as a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Imagine how long a cat would stand on a hot tin roof in the heat of summer in the South – you got it, not for a split second! This is an affectionate southern way of saying that someone is so busy they don’t stop to take a breath before moving on to the next thing. It can also be a polite way to tell a friend that she needs to get her children under control before they tear the house down.
“Aren’t You Precious”
Although this sounds like a question, it’s merely a statement to compliment something cute or sweet. It’s usually intended as an interjection and generally in reference to a child’s outfit or behavior. But in the South, be aware. If you hear someone saying, “Well aren’t you precious?” it’s probably being said sarcastically. It’s a phrase usually said if someone has said or done something you find stupid or insulting. Since your mama taught you that if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say nothing at all – you kill them with kindness. Someone offended you? Well, aren’t they just precious?!
“Yes Ma’am (Sir)”
This is not just a southern phrase, but yes ma’am or yes sir is the only way to answer a yes question in the South, and the same would apply if the answer is no. This requirement usually only extends to those that are your age or older with emphasis on respecting your elders, but in general, the term can be used in conversation with someone of any age when the answer is yes or no.
“Frunchard”
The opposite of backyard
“Quit Being Ugly”
This has nothing to do with physical appearance, but instead a comment about what’s inside that person or how they’re behaving. It’s usually bad. Other variations are He, or She’s ugly!
“He Thinks the Sun Comes Up Just to Hear Him Crow”
The rooster crows when the sun rises. A cocky rooster might think the sun comes up because he crows. Similarly, a cocky man might feel the same when he speaks and thinks that everyone should listen to him.
“Sho Nuff”
This phrase confirms something – “sure enough” or it can be a question – “Wait, really?”
“That Dog Won’t Hunt”
A phrase used when someone knows that something or an idea isn’t going to work out. It is also used to state that an excuse will not fly.
“Hissy Fit”
A hissy fit is a grown-up temper tantrum. Sometimes this is shortened to hissy. I might also note that any true Southerner knows you don’t “have” a hissy fit – you pitch one!
“Well, I Declare”
When someone uses this phrase, they could be declaring any number of things: happiness, surprise, or dissent. Loud and proud is the only way to declare something in the South.
“He Was Funny As All Get Out”
“All get out” has a way of finding its way into all kinds of southern phrases and it intensifies any statement. “I was shocked as all get out.” “It was crazy as all get out.” Anything that reaches the degree of “all get out” is something worth talking about.
“My Eyeballs are Floating”
This is a phrase used when someone needs to use the bathroom very badly. You sometimes hear this phrase with back teeth used in place of eyeballs.
“Coke”
This could mean any carbonated beverage, not just Coca-Cola©. So if you order a coke in a southern restaurant don’t be surprised if they ask you what kind.
“Worn Slap Out”
This phrase is used when you’re physically or mentally exhausted and can’t go on. You’re worn slap out when you’re dog-tired and so beat you can’t go on. It often happens on southern summer days when the heat rises as the temperature shoots past 100 degrees. Another variation is “worn slam out.”
“Hold Your Horses”
Stop right there! If someone says this to you, it’s best to slow down and be patient.
“Hush Your Mouth”
Often used when someone is talking offensively – “Hush your mouth, you shouldn’t be talking like that!” But also used in general, like when Mama whispers this to her children when they’re cutting up in church on Sunday morning.
“Highfalutin”
A pejorative term in the South – when someone thinks they’re all uppity (another southern term) and have more class than they really do. When you hear a Southerner say this, you can bet it’s a huge put down on someone who’s trying to be extremely fancy when everyone knows she’s not. “She thinks she’s so highfalutin!”
“Can’t Never Could”
This is positive thinking, southern style. You won’t accomplish much if you always say or think you can’t do it. Be positive and give it a try and you might find out you could do it after all. Can’t never could do nothing!
“Give Him Two Nickels for a Dime and He’ll Think He’s Rich”
This is a way of describes someone who is not too bright.
“Too Big for His Britches”
Translated it means, “He sure does think a lot of himself. He’s so full of it he can’t fit into his pants (britches).”
“It Makes Me Wanna Slap My Mama”
This is considered a high compliment in the South and is said when something was really, really good. I’ve heard it most when getting up from the table after eating a fine southern meal. “That was so good it makes me wanna slap my mama!”
“Barking up the Wrong Tree”
This can mean being mistaken or misguided, but as a Southerner, I have heard this southern saying used more often than not as a warning for someone to back off. “You don’t wanna mess with me! You’re barking up the wrong tree!”
“Plumb”
Plumb means totally or absolutely. “She was plumb tired out!” or “He was plumb crazy!”
“She Could Start an Argument in an Empty House”
When someone is very argumentative and always starting arguments; generally, it implies their negativity should be ignored.
“Ain’t Got the Good Sense God Gave a Rock”
This is one of those southern sayings used to describe someone who lacks common sense. “He ain’t got the good sense God gave a rock!”
“He’s Slicker Than Pig Snot on a Radiator”
This describes someone who is very, very sneaky and can’t be trusted.
“He’s About as Useless as a Screen Door on a Submarine”
This describes someone who is of absolute no help.
“There’s Not a Pot to Crooked That a Lid Won’t Fit”
This means there is someone out there for everyone.
“Close the Door, You’re Letting All the Good Air Out”
It gets hot and humid in the South! This simply means to keep the door closed, so the cold air (or heat if it’s winter) doesn’t escape and stays inside.
“It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Out There”
This simply means it is pouring down rain outside. It’s coming down really hard, not actually raining cats and dogs.
“I’m Sweating More Than a Hooker in Church”
When you hear someone say this, it means they are really hot and sweating a LOT.
Other little southernisms…
We don’t pronounce “t’s” if they are in the middle of a word – Atlanta is Adlanna, and we rarely use “g’s” at the end of words – fishin’, lookin’ puddin’, etc..
I know there a many more southern sayings out there. I could have gone on for ages with this post, but I decided to quit with 50. What are your favorite southern sayings? Did I leave one of your favorites out? If so, I would love for you to share it in the comments. You know I love it when you talk to me. ;)
Paula@SweetPea says
What a fun post! I never realized how often I said “Do what?” until my husband’s NYC raised coworker and friend started laughing every time I said it.
My 7th graders responded much better to “Y’all (drawn out) sit down” over “Everyone sit down.”
I hate seeing y’all misspelled!
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Hi Paula!
It’s so funny that your students responded better to that term. I can picture you saying it to a class. ;)
>>> Kim
Lisa Layne says
No one has posted “pert near it”, meaning getting close to something being done like lunch or a job. I had a neighbor lady when I was a child that used that phase all of the time. Her husband would yell at her across the yard and ask her if lunch was almost ready and she would response “pert near it”. Also fair to middlin is another saying. When you ask someone how they are doing. The saying actually comes from grades of cotton. A lot of the old sayings are going away.
Joyce says
So fun! I knew most of these but learned a few new ones! Thanks for the smiles!
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Hey Joyce!
I’m glad you enjoyed them! This was a fun post!
>>> Kim
Ash says
My best friend(we’re native Texans) often says, “She’ll tell you how the cow ate the cabbage”, meaning said person does not mind expresses their perspective, or getting on to a misbehaving child, or getting all over you if you meddle and cause a fuss. It basically means being told off.
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Hi Ash!
I hadn’t heard this one yet, but I love it! I can just hear someone saying it! Thanks so much for sharing!
>>> Kim
Kerry Seiwert says
I grew up cutting lights on or off, or the cutting the AC or heater on or off, but when I moved midwest (under a LOT of protest, but I love him!), I was teased a lot for it! Does no one else say that?
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Hi Kerry!
I say both ALL the time! I also say “power” or “current” instead of electricity. ;)
E. Couret says
Hi. Love this post! I’m from NOLA and grew up witj nearky all of these. I’m not sure if this is a Southerism but my Italian Uncke woukd all say of the cokd it was “Colder than a well-diggers a$$”! Now tgat is cold!
Again, love this post. Thanks.
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Haha, E. Couret! I love it! I have a relative that says, “It’s colder than a witch’s t***y in a brass bra.” I think that would be pretty cold too. Ha! I keep having others come to me. I think I’ll eventually come back and update this post with more southern sayings. It was a fun post to do. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Liz says
Ummm, pardon me ma’am. In my neck of the woods “y’all” refers to one individual while “all y’all” refers to groups.
Jane says
“Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise.” This saying is in reference to the Creek Indians. Creek Indians were a vicious band of Indians who killed a lot of people in the United States of American.
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Hi Jane1
I have heard a bit of differing opinions in the past about creek (water) or Creek Indians regarding this phrase. Upon asking any old-timers and friends, I have who use the phrase, like myself – they mean a literal body of water – a creek or “crick.” It was interesting to learn a bit about the Creek Indians as I researched this when doing the post. I can attest to creeks and rivers flooding in our area, causing detours and closures in all kinds of places – so we hear it a lot around here in that reference. Thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie says
I have heard from historians that it’s the creek the body of water rising, not the Creek Nation rising. If the creek rises how you gonna get to church?
Cowgirl Diva says
My Mama always said, “IF the GOOD LORD’S WILLIN'”, or “LORD WILLIN’. I can still hear her saying that to this day and use that Southern phrase, a favorite of mine, often myself..!! ;D
Cowgirl Diva says
When that phrase was used in my my family, the CREEK DON”T RISE part of the phrase was literally a small body of water known as a CREEK..! So, “If the Creek don’t rise”…refers to a little body of water and not an Indian.
Cowgirlup says
My grandma said that all the time as well. Probably why I say it. It was meant as body of water not an Indian because I asked when I was a little girl. Well, at least in my family. I love this post! Use a lot of these sayings! There’s so many my grandparents use to say that I can’t remember unfortunately. I’ll keep looking for new updated posts!
Bill Jones says
Bless yo little heart Jane!
Rena says
We would say that someone “showed their butt” if they acted out or threw a fit in public. When I said this in front of my husband he thought someone literally showed their butt…I had to explain this to my northern-born sweetheart.
Kim at Serving Up Southern says
Yes, Rena!
I forgot all about that one! That’s one we’ve said as well. Thanks for the reminder!
Jean says
Good gracious alive!
If you don’t say!
Well, if it ain’t so
Shut yo mouth!
So many more! Born and raised in MS
Lance says
Well, hush my mouth!
I’ll be
I’ll be durned
I’ll be darned
Dad gum
Dad burn
Dang fool (or dang any thing)
Bees in her bonnet
S**ttin’ in y’all cotton
I’ll be hornswaggled (horns waggled)
The sun don’t always shine on the same dog’s tail
As pleased as a pig (or possum) eatin’ persimmons
Lance says
Correction: “tall cotton”
Andi says
Overcooked her grits- she’s had too much too drink, she’s taken on too much at work, her husband is an ass
Deborah Miller says
I grew up hearing this one a lot.
“Jeet yet?”
“Yon’t some?”
Translation: Did you eat yet? Do you want some?
Michelle says
Small town gal from S.E. GA and I heard those multiple times a day, especially as a hospice nurse. Folks, even in their grief, are so gracious and determined to feed you. Food and good conversation make everything better❤️
Samantha says
I learned it: “jeet yet?”, nah, diju? Yantu? Aui’t!
Laurie Higgins says
That’s a fun list! I use a lot of those and I didn’t grow up in the south. I did work for a southern senator once and with a woman from Arkansas and lived next door to a man raised in the south. But I didn’t learn the phrases from any of them. Except maybe “coke”. :)
There’s no pot TOO crooked …
Typo up there. :)
Becky says
Growing up my Mawmaw would always tell us “y’all are getting too big! I gotta put a pot on your head!”Referring to cast iron pots to weigh you down and keep you from getting taller.
Cowgirl Diva says
As a TRUE SOUTHERNER, I have heard ALL of these sayings at one time or other in my Southern Life..!!
A saying we use in my SOUTHERN family is: “He would argue with a fencepost!”
You’re welcome..!! ;D
Dan says
I’m hearing the word “Goodnight!” used a lot by Southerners lately. Not the word you say before going to bed, either. I typically hear it used in response to something controversial happening. Is anyone else familiar with how this term is used and able to provide any background or context on it? I’d appreciate it! :)
-D
Jewell says
I’ve heard “Goodnight Irene!” as a similar response. Why the name Irene, I have no idea.
Lisa says
Well bless your little pea pickens heart
❤️❤️
Hailey says
I never realized how much I used southern sayings. A lot of these like the crack of dawn, hold you horses, pot calling a kettle black, hush your mouth, y’all, and it’s raining cats and dogs were basically the sayings I grew up with. I knew I used different terms then most of the people around me, including some family, but I never knew they were southern terms.
Hailey says
I never realized how much I used southern sayings. A lot of these like the crack of dawn, hold you horses, pot calling a kettle black, hush your mouth, y’all, and it’s raining cats and dogs were basically the sayings I grew up with. I knew I used different terms then most of the people around me, including some family, but I never knew they were southern terms.
Evan says
Yes, I grew up in OK and TX and heard “good NIGHT” as an exclamation often. With emphasis on ‘night’. Sometimes followed by ‘gerty’ as in good NIGHT gerty.
Used as an expression when you hear something outlandish or farfetched.
Ken Johnson says
Another Southern Saying: Close the door. Were you raised in a barn?
Ally says
Have you heard the phrase “ He really knows his okra” when someone is an expert at something? My momma used it all the time even though she was from Oklahoma. She had lots of relatives in Louisiana so I just figgered that’s where it came from.
chris says
i from the deep south Mississippi half of those are not true that we do not say some of them we say alot but other are just stupid and arnt true
Lee Curry says
Born and raised in middle Ga. Still hear a lot of those sayings to this day… Always answer with yes ma’am/sir or no ma’am/sir, or mama would skin my hide. My Pawpaw’s favorite response when asked what he’s doing, “jus piddlin”. Your post also brought this to mind; not necessarily a like your list, but I can’t count how many times I’ve heard people in the south say, “you know they one of ya cousins don’t ya” when talking about someone. I enjoyed your post. Thank you
Hayden C Matthews says
His balls haven’t dropped yet. – He doesn’t have the nerve.
If a frog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his a** every time he jumps. – Used when “if” or “what if” was the beginning of your question, and they don’t have an answer or simply feel like sassin’.
You and what army? – “I don’t think you can handle that challenge.”
Pack a lunch! – “I am sure you can’t handle that challenge.”
Don’t look at me in that tone of voice! – popular for parents of teens.
See you later, alligator.
Not too soon, you big baboon! – friendly goodbye.
You et? – “have you eaten?”
Sit on the floor and let your feet hang! – “come in and join us!”
If you go home hungry, it’s your own fault. – ” I spent hours making food. Please eat all of it.”
Darwin says
When someone is a little too boastful, we have a couple of sayings for them.
Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.
It’s not hard to see a diamond in a goat’s @$$.
Summer says
“Spap” my mama.
Pot “too” crooked
There were a couple of errors!
Anthony Paolini says
It shows the southern antebellum way of being polite without hurting anybody’s feelings and redirecting those to understand , that somethings will not be tolerated. It also shows that Southern people of all of Multi diversified of any race, color or creed developed a form of Etiquette that assisted generations of families. As I travel throughout this great nation, I could be talking to a Black American Texan, or an Seminole Floridan, or White southerners from Appalachia mountains USA. We all quickly developed a sense of being home
Kathryn says
Heavens to Betsy! An exclamation of any emotion like surprise, anger, happiness, etc.
Kathryn says
If I had my druthers …… rough translation I would rather…….. or if I had it my way……..
Debbie Dickens says
Regarding the phrase, “If the Creek Don’t Rise”, is does refer to unpredictable events. But, the original reference of the “creek” was actually the Creek Indians.
Message from this federally recognized Native American Cherokee
Jaycee King says
Busy as a bee in a tar bucket
It’s hotter than two wolf rats fu***n in a wool sock on a hot afternoon
It colder than a witch’s tit in a brass bra doing push-ups in the snow
You’re sweatin more than a whore in a church house
You want me to give you somethin to cry bout
Want in one hand and sh*t in the other and see which one fills up first
Cowgirl up says
Here’s one for ya …
He couldn’t find his way around in a silo 😊 love this post! I’m from WV so I’ve heard all and used most of these all my life. Brings back good memories.
Cowgirl up says
Oh and my mom used this one a lot. She can throw it out faster with a teaspoon than he can bring it in with a shovel. Meaning…. She spends money faster than he brings it in or the other way around…. Whoever the bread winner may be!
Maybe she brings home the bacon and he fries it up in the pan!
Gayle says
I loved this post! Being raised in Texas/Ok before moving to Cali I’ve heard and used most of of them. One I used the other day and shocked my granddaughter was “my little ones are eating my big ones”, meaning I was hungry! She said “WHAT? OMG I’ve got to Goggle that!”
Is this phrase familiar to anyone else?
Linda says
How about his or her picket is broken.
Mercedes A Horton says
I would like to know what the slang would be if someone says it’s going to be a good one how do you spell that in southern slang
David Peters says
Nice list! I think some of these are exclusively Texan and not so much southern. I heard a lot more “fixin to” in Texas than I did in Georgia 😋
Nina says
Gee whiz y’all.
Up a creek without a paddle.
Holy cow! or Holy Toledo.
Hush up.
You’re gettin’ too big for your britches.
Tell yer mama ‘n ’em we said hey.
My father used to call me “bossy britches.”
Let’s go ridin’ around.
Kim says
Hi David!
I might have to beg to differ on this.;) My North Carolina family says “fixing too” all the time. It was part of my late grandfather’s regular vocabulary. In fact, I never had to leave Virginia to hear these sayings. Along with myself, local family and friends are still saying them when appropriate in our daily conversations. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Chris says
Get yer Big Boy pants on! In the past, most boys wore short pants as children until reaching a certain age. Wearing long pants showed they were expected to act in a more mature, adult manner.
T Morris says
“My butt’s as big as the side of a barn”, meaning my Nutt’s big. 😂. I always say that one after a say of clothes shopping. Also, she could talk to a brick wall, meaning she could talk and talk even if nobody is listening.
T Morris says
“My butt’s as big as the side of a barn”, meaning my butt’s big. 😂. I always say that one after a say of clothes shopping. Also, she could talk to a brick wall, meaning she could talk and talk even if nobody is listening.
MG says
My Mother was from South Carolina. As a kid I spent a lot of time there and heard many of the expressions the article and other posters mention. One expression I haven’t heard anyone mention, that my Aunt Margaret used, is “you don’t know your deputy”, meaning you don’t know what you’re talking about. Anyone ever hear this saying? I’ve tried to look it up to see where it came from because “I just don’t rightly know”.