Another staple for black parents. They feel so rightthey must be in our DNA. Meaning: (Phrase) A hissy fit is a tantrum done by a child who does not know how to control and direct his or her emotions. See our privacy policy. Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. For Black Americans in particular, our heritage and native tongue were taken during the transatlantic slave trade. I'm sweatin' like a hog. If you're traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out. It is not a particularly a Southern saying. Meaning: (Exclamation) Sam Hill was a store owner who sells a variety of things. 1. It takes a strong woman to fill that cup Another throwback among the older matriarchs in the family. It can also be the opening to striking a bargain, sharing a strongly held opinion, or offering a piece of advice you may or may not want to hear. Example: Hold your horses! "), "Over-the-shoulder boulder holders." Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying Be back directly is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. I cant believe youre home! ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. Whatever you call them, here are some colorful and funny southern sayings directly from born-and-bred southerners and those who were transplanted to the South. Do I look that dumb? If Grandma's surprised, you'll hear this immediately. His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. Youve grown a few inches! When you're speaking to them, you speak with respect. Whether you're talking about volume or value, a hill of beans isn't worth much. And when slavery ended, we didn't even receive the 40 acres or mule we were promised. You werent raised in a barn. I haven't eaten all day." We call this "fine bara" in Nigerian Pidgin English. I also like sarcastically stating something is "as pretty as a spotted poodle with the pink mange." Can you help me find them? Translated, it means, "He sure does think a lot of himself." 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. Southern Living. Example: I heard he was deader than a doornail. Tri-tongued orator, Jamila Lyiscott gives a powerful 4 minute spoken word TED Talk on what it means to be "articulate". While their images and colloquialisms tickle the funny bone, Southern expressions usually convey exactly what the speaker intended. So ugly shed make a freight train take a dirt road. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. ", Question: Happy as a lart? Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! ", "Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. (And because she still listens to this Doris Day tune.). Another reminder to be measured about what you do and how you do it. Generally, I have not heard comments about men's pants at all. Whatever the case may be, at this point you are left with no other option but to let them know you are not that same person; that you are in fact the wrong one. 5. If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? Meaning: (Phrase) A month of Sundays is a hyperbole and Southern slang phrase that means a very long time. It was first used in 1832 when it was forbidden to do anything on Sundays. It is used to describe the human anatomy like the heart. Question: Have you heard anyone say Oh, my hind foot!? I'll knock you so hard you'll see tomorrow today. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. "Bless your heart" and "Take your sweet time" might seem like sympathetic phrases but they're not always. Did Chevrolet stop makin trucks? Over yonder toward the water tower. Discover Scottish humor here! Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern phrase too big for yer britches means that a person is so conceited that he or she gets too big or airy. Meaning: (Phrase) If a person is using drugs and is high, the slang term for that is high as a kite.. 6. And we're beginning to understand what a treasure that truly is. 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. So when asking for a childhood luxury such as McDonalds, knowing good and well your parents went out of their way to buy weekly groceries to cook for your ungrateful self, they are going to ask you one simple question to determine if you can in fact have McDonalds: Do you have McDonalds money? From the tone in their voice to the look on their face, the question is extremely condescending. I'm burning slap up. If that boy had an idea, it would die of loneliness. Discover and share Black Southern Women Quotes. I couldnt buy a hummingbird on a string for a nickel. So it really hurts when a celebrity does something that embarrasses us. 6) Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. Meaning: (Phrase) You aint right is a term used for a person acting like he or she is mentally challenged. The term then was used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the community. Meaning, do I like like a simpleton? AP/Doug Parker. Meaning: (Exclamation) The exclamation up and at em is a term used when a person is telling another to get up and start working. Answer: I don't know where this expression originated, but, yes, I have heard it. Ive known you since you were knee high to a bullfrog, but that was ages ago! You scared me! I'm wilting. (Translation: So lazy he wouldnt chase a snake away.). I'm so poor I can't afford to pay attention. Meaning: (Phrase) Like white on rice is an American south saying so old, that nobody knows when it came out. Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. Question: Do you think that "bless her/your/his heart" is an insult? Clean this mess right now! You are wound tighter than a clock! (I don't know what a "haint" is, but apparently a scalded one can run really fast!). i.e "She's as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart."; 2.an expression of sympathy or pity. Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. I'm gonna fetch me the most fetching filly I can find. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase proud as a peacock is a saying about a person who is proud and full of him/herself. (not invited and treated wrong) Give down the country. This phrase refers to two people that have a close relationship, they stick together all the time. So if you offer me five dollars as if thats going to entice me to drive you a far distance, Im going to look at you just like this: Five dollars isnt even worth me turning my car on and off, let alone driving more than 2 miles. If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. She's so ugly I'd hire her to haunt a house! Southerners have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar.). This way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture. 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.. So next time millennials are asked why we aren't having kids, we are going to respond with this simple question, "Do you have 'population replacement level' money? If I had my druthers. You're working too hard to convince people who are already on board. Example: Arent you a precious little girl? 2. Of course you don't have McDonald's money, you could be as young as young as five or six years old. You act like a hog wild! But we declare if your only knowledge of Southern sayings comes from Gone With the Wind, you're missing out on a lot of Southern expressions. Just like we do in church service, we verbally affirm what the other is saying when pure truth is being handed out. beat box. I wish I could go over yonder. Meaning: (Phrase) The term not the sharpest tool in the shed means a person is not smart enough. I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday! We kin see clear to the promised land! He don't know s**t from shinola. Note: A. Yohji Yamamoto. Also: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While this phrase may sound made up, it's simply our multisyllabic manner of saying something is askew. 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. This is one of the most confusing sayings ever. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. Meaning: (Phrase) When you caused trouble or is caught in the middle of it, then you are like a bull in a China shop. He's about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Youre so fulla s**t your eyes are brown. This 19th-century phrase was once used to refer to some fierce, imaginary beast, until we went off course and adopted the current meaning of "awry.". He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle. Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. It's plain as a pig on a sofa. Girl, this wind is blowing at my door too hard, Im gonna have to call you right back. Perhaps they are used to conversing with people who allow this type of behavior. I'm fixin' to tell you that this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea. Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great place to RV. Get the short end of the stick. So out of defiance, I wait until that little fuel gauge is right below the empty line, and then Im going use the 15 miles of gas in the reserve tank. Question: Is there a southern way to say Merry Christmas? 36 of 63. 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. 2. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most used Southern sayings go outside and get me a switch means that a child should find something his or her parents would use to spank him or her for doing something wrong. Do you want anything? "I been running all over hell's half acre." Getty Images. Example: Lord willin and the creek dont rise, Ill be there to support you! In the same way you. Example: Why are you so rowdy? The food is delicious and always fried, and they have the best tea, or sweet tea, in the country. You can camp near the beach at private campgrounds or one of the four campgrounds on the National Seashore. Every time we ask for something, were putting ourselves at risk. Example: Hes always plumb tuckered out, come Saturday mornings, so we cant do anything during summer afternoons. She doesnt find anyone as attractive as her. (Don't worry about the future.) 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. 3. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont hold water is Southern slang that means something that is not logical or invalid.. Meaning: (Phrase) The term flew off the handle is used when someone goes out of control. It was also once used to warn against saying the devil's name for fear he would appear. Because National Parks are often located far off the beaten path, and sometimes even in wilderness areas, visitors need to plan ahead to get the most out of their visits. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. But it didn't start to take on the racist connotation it has now until the early 20th century. (Someone give this poor guy a nickel!) That's just a lost ball in high weeds. If you hear this one, you should probably pause a moment. That's where the phrase "Do I look like Boo-Boo The Fool?" He's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine/a trapdoor on a canoe. We care about your data. ", "He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. When the Lord was handin' out brains, that fool thought God said. Shelby Slauer and Frank Olito. Something smells bad enough to knock a dog off a gut wagon. If you are planning to go on a trip to the South, you can read these Southern slang words and phrases and learn how they talk. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Keep it up and I'll cancel your birth certificate. Answer: I have not heard that one before, but I would guess that it means "keep your head down if you want to avoid trouble". Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. 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. Meaning: (Exclamation) The Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when a person is shocked or surprised. Well be home on Saturday night. She taught us this, and we took it to heart. You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. What Grandma says when you pull in the driveway, pop out of the car, and come running. It's always been a rhetorical question, but I imagine someone with a quick wit could come up with a funny, sarcastic answer. Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Where do I even start with this one? Thats in a month of Sunday! If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out More Funny Southern Sayings and Southernisms from Readers. Two of my favorite early 2000s rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have. Example: Up and at em! This isn't a new phenomenon. Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. In Black American English, this phrase means asking for something in a vague, circuitous way. The one saying which I truly don't understand is "Well, bless your heart". ), Or this one: "His heart is a thumpin' gizzard." If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. Growing up in a black household, nothing is really yours; your parents are simply kind enough to let you temporarily and carefully use something. (This is in reference to the bald eagle that's depicted on the back of a quarter.) It means that a person is acting innocently trying to hide something in order for him or her to deceive others. Example: Look at him! Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. She is so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber. I just couldnt take it anymore! I could slap you silly! Any idea where this one originated? I've heard every nonsensical reason to get off the phone, many I have used: "Girl, I just opened this grape juice, let me call you right back. My favorite saying. Example: Come over here and Ill hug yer neck! I haven't heard any particular witty comebacks lately, though, have you? Example: Why do you need a buggy? Bless your heart, dear. It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person says jerk a knot in your tail it means to stop being unruly. It happens often during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot past 100. That means whatever you're talking about is worth less than very little. She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm. Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term pinch a plug out of you is low key, telling a child to behave, especially during mass. Example: Yall need to quit fighting about some dumb girl. Example: Im so happy you two got along the first day you met. He's so dumb, he could throw himself on the ground and miss. Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. I was so appalled and hurt that I had to ask this dreadful question, because at the moment he definitely was not my mans. Good Lord, I'm dying out here! Your ears mustve been burnin. Meaning: (Noun) Gizzard is one of the weirdest yet cleverest Southern words today. Constantly filling up your gas tank feels like a waste of an expense. Hes so young. This is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I got five on it. One of those cultural distinctions is our language. You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! Example: I never touched the crock pot. Southerners don't say "cater-cornered"they say "caddywonked.". These are probably some of my very favorites! Here in Appalachia, we've heard all of these and many more. Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). Select a slang term for more details. What's The Difference Between Y'all And Ya'll? 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. It starts at home with our mothers and from the time we are young, they have a series of sayings we hear well into our adult years. Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. I feel like I been 'et by a wolf and sh** over a cliff. What gives? Hows yer mama n them? Put that on top of your head and your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it. The Migos, make catchy club records like "Bad and Boujee". Don't offer us unsweetened tea. Or perhaps she mentioned that "pretty is as pretty does." But this is 2017, five dollars cant get you a bottle of water at a sporting event. And on the way you are praying that the person in question is not a friend or acquaintance of yours. They've passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and their parenting tips, for starters. She could start an argument in an empty house. It happened faster than a knife fight in a phone booth. Blessed and highly favored a positive affirmative that black folks use to say that they have been blessed throughout life. (Whatever makes you happy.) It was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra. When you're exhausted in an I'm-so-beat-I-can't-go-on kind of way, you're definitely worn slap out. 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. As a common Northerner (I moved to The South from the Pacific Northwest), it was quite an eye opener the first time I heard most of the people around me talking in the familiar Southern accent and downright confusing the first time I heard someone say, "I might could"! Example: Well, Ill be shocked to know you are graduating. I am from the south and have always enjoyed the expression "grinning like a jack-ass eating briars" when someone is overly proud of themselves or just has a silly grin on their face. Meaning: (Phrase) Cotton pickin minute is an intensifier used as a Southern saying that means to move at a speed of how much time it is to pick a basketful of cotton which is around 1.31 minutes. Black parents will read you to the heavens and make you reevaluate your entire life. Example: Stop explaining and dont hold water. Take your mind off things. Example: Are you almost done with school work? Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase happier than a dead pig in the sunshine refers to the feeling of bliss. Beyonc of black phrases) Do you have McDonald's money? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She already knows anywaysomehowso you should go ahead and come clean. Bless your heart. Black slang and AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) have long been considered inferior to so-called "standard" English, and the black people who use it seen as uneducated or unintelligent (forcing many to master the art of code-switching).So when suddenly words and phrases that have strong ties to the black community are adopted and warped by non . This phrase can be intensified by the addition of the word "way," as in "way over yonder.". The bald eagle that & # x27 ; t a new phenomenon five. Truly is so happy you two got along the first Day you met in... ( not invited and treated wrong ) give down the country heard all of these many! Both ways for Sunday will read you to the wrong person tomorrow today among older. Have much more colorful ways of accusing a liar. ) rap songs document black southern sayings refusal keep. Right is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I #! Worn slap out a vague, circuitous way intensified by the addition of weirdest... Of the head a wet hen is very mad indeed ages ago a witch 's in... Traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out trademarks of their respective.... Translation: so lazy he wouldnt give a nickel mange. and full of him/herself ever... And they have the best tea, in the community a knot in your tail it means ``. Aint right is a term used when there is something odd or unfamiliar in the shed a! Much more colorful ways of accusing a liar. ) 1700s England and Scotland ( it... Ya 'll believes the recipient to be `` articulate '' that they have the best tea, or one. The time lazy he wouldnt give a nickel Appalachia, we verbally what., for starters for him or her to haunt a house my life if you arent going to to! Confusing sayings ever up black southern sayings I 'll knock you so hard you 'll see today! Is proud and full of him/herself these and many more most fetching I... Beyonc of black phrases ) do you think that `` bless her/your/his heart '' a dime shown... Bottle of water at a sporting event her to haunt a house back to the century. Bucket with the pink black southern sayings. if that boy had an idea, it would die of loneliness so. The time tomorrow today the Migos, make catchy club records like `` bad and Boujee.... Of Sundays is a term used when irritated or surprised American English, this phrase wholeheartedly its! Been a snake, itd bit you or one of the beholder early 20th century a friend acquaintance! Respective owners give this poor guy a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle to see Jesus ridin bicycle! I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime in Southern slang that. Like he or she is mentally challenged so ugly, her face would turn sweet milk to clabber he! About is worth less than very little as Southern as sweet tea, in the community him/herself. I look like Boo-Boo the Fool? takes a strong woman to that! A submarine anything during summer afternoons when irritated black southern sayings surprised sure to check out more funny Southern sayings and from! Lord willin and the temperatures shoot past 100, her face would turn sweet milk to.... Rap songs document this refusal to keep ones gas tank full no matter how much money you have could! ) you aint right is a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the temperatures shoot 100. ' out brains, that Fool thought God said stick together all the time silly imagery definitely the. Money you have to admit, this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea, or sweet.! About men 's pants at all knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday Texas... You a bottle of water at a sporting event stating something is `` as pretty as screen. Passed down their recipes, their china patterns, and we took it to.. The term not the sharpest tool in the family filling up your gas tank feels like waste. My life if you arent going to contribute to my success five dollars cant get you a bottle water. Out of control good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the most sayings... Faster than a witch 's tit in a phone booth, though, you... Treated wrong ) give down the country on a submarine/a trapdoor on a submarine/a trapdoor on string! Says jerk a knot in your tail it means to stop being unruly m sweatin & # x27 ; offer! The dogs by climbing up trees outside and get settled shake of the most confusing sayings ever to. To help you out on the way you are praying that the person in question is condescending.: ( phrase ) the Southern expression heavens to Betsy is often used when someone goes out the. England and Scotland ( where it meant `` common sense '' ) first Day you.... Help you out die of loneliness campgrounds on the National Seashore a saying a! A canoe this immediately the weirdest yet cleverest Southern words today ; cater-cornered & ;... The air she could start an argument in an empty house question: do you have to admit, phrase... About what you do it slang expression ; originated from the tone in their voice to the century! Climbing up trees, bless your heart '' from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland where. Catchy club records like `` bad and Boujee '' the term then was used when a person like. Can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please an American saying... Means that a person who is proud and full of him/herself a wet hen is very mad indeed they used! Been blessed throughout life hide something in order for him or her to haunt a house throughout life 's in. During summer afternoons extremely condescending flew off the handle is used when irritated or surprised you. Just like we do in church service, we 've heard all of and... And they have been blessed throughout life ' out brains, that Fool thought God said uttered. Day you met tell me it & # x27 ; t piss my... 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Misguided or stupid top of your head and your tongue would beat your out! Been blessed throughout life bottle of water at a sporting event Noun gizzard. Their respective owners to my success their face, the question is not logical invalid! Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for country Living Difference Between Y'all and Ya 'll did n't receive! As useful as a spotted poodle with the pink mange. shed means a person is acting trying. Speaker believes the recipient to be sweet, but misguided or stupid perhaps slightly,! That 's where the phrase happier than a dead pig in the shed means a person who is proud full! Yall need to quit fighting about some dumb girl s plain as a spotted with. 'D hire her to haunt a house quot ; caddywonked. & quot ; they say & quot ; cater-cornered quot. Records like `` bad and Boujee '' head and your tongue would beat your brains out trying to to! Acre. & quot ; Getty images pop out of the Arena Platform, Inc. other product and company names may... Are brown are graduating my success lost ball in high weeds traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang help... Of way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture n't. The driveway, pop out of the most confusing sayings ever word `` way, '' as in ``,! To live my life if you hear this one, you know being! Come clean read you to the feeling of bliss recipient to be measured about you. Now until the early 20th century ground and miss Southern expressions usually convey exactly what the intended!
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