Example: Thats too much. Yankees just can't pass for Southerners! Any idea? It was used to described a part of something being assembled incorrectly. You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! I think the "oh, my hind foot" expression is just a cleaned up version of, "oh, my a**. Do you remember me? AP/Doug Parker. This is a high compliment in the South, since Southern states are known for their peaches. If you don't stop that crying, I'll give you something to cry about! These are words you do not want to hear If you're out at a function enjoying yourself. is so strong that it has now become the go-to response for any requests that requires your money. This phrase means a person was pushed to his or her limit and can get angry any time soon. This is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I got five on it. Of course you don't have McDonald's money, you could be as young as young as five or six years old. 5. This phrase refers to two people that have a close relationship, they stick together all the time. She's pretty as a pumpkin but half as smart. Whatever it is, it is not quite up to par. ", "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!". Updated. Well be home on Saturday night. Meaning: (Phrase) Barking up the wrong tree is a term used when you are talking to the wrong person. 7. Answer: I don't know where this expression originated, but, yes, I have heard it. Here are a few famous Black people sayings that you may or may not know. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is another slang used in the South to tell a person to stop misbehaving. While their images and colloquialisms tickle the funny bone, Southern expressions usually convey exactly what the speaker intended. I dont know why Black people just cant say "I have to go, good talking to you, bye". Because "Whose Mans Is This" is only said when someone did something so wild and outlandish, the rest of the party needs to know where this person came from and who brought them, because it is time for them to go. Example: You aint right. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. Deep in the South where sushi is still called bait. Example: Lord willin and the creek dont rise, Ill be there to support you! 1. Perhaps they are used to conversing with people who allow this type of behavior. Its hotter than two rabbits screwin in a wool sock! Hes happier than a dead pig in the sunshine. When you're in the South, "over yonder" is a distant directionany direction. "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. I'm sure if you're a mother now, you may find yourself saying. Ive heard the expression 100 times but not sure if lart is the right word or if Ive been misunderstanding. 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.. Unarguable Southern criticism. Today, our communities and schools are severely under-resourced, widening the achievement gap and hindering many Black Americans chances at getting a good job. Oh, so you think I am stupid? Over yonder past the cotton field. Joe Budden finds this type of hip-hop trivial and juvenile. Therefore, people, mostly children, use I suwanne! to emphasize that he or she is telling the truth. I love your dress! He couldn't carry a tune if he had a bucket with a lid on it. If it's appropriate for one, surely it's appropriate for the other too. But that is exactly what grace and mercy are for. Happier than ol' Blue layin' on the porch chewin' on a big ol' catfish head. You sure you could go to work? Read on for information and tips for camping near the beach and driving on the sand. In fact, Georgia and South Carolina produce more peaches than any other states in the South. And in many cases, being able to fluidly change ones speech is a form of survival. He ran like a scalded haint. I wouldn't walk across the street to piss on him if he was on fire. Beyonc of black phrases) Do you have McDonald's money? Example: Make sure you be back directly once you're done with the project. Its only once in a blue moon we get to hang out. Example: In this crazy world, you cant get too big for yer britches or you wont make it. to create rhythmic percussive sounds with your mouth, especially when accompanying rhymes or rapping . If you just heard your mama come home and you haven't finished your chores, she will definitely be "madder than a wet hen." Example: My ears hurt because he cant carry a tune in a bucket with the lid on it. Example: Hello, little miss priss. "I think you're beautiful! You better give your heart to Jesus, 'cause your butt is mine. and 2) "I don't know? So before reading these ten very black phrases and thinking "this isn't proper language", learn to respect the different spaces that exist in this country and understand that culture, heritage, and humor are ever-changing; and for many people language is a way to celebrate their unique identity in a country that has ostracized them for being different. 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. Apparently, Southern men are not stuck up.). If he were an inch taller, he'd be round. Don't offer us unsweetened tea. In the 1900s, the word evolved, taking on a Southern spin as well as new meanings such as "courage" and "get-up-and-go.". He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont hold water is Southern slang that means something that is not logical or invalid.. Question: Do you think that "bless her/your/his heart" is an insult? If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. Answer: I think that "law" is actually a form of "Lord", possibly calling on the lord tor help or understanding. 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. There's a Southern expression for every occasion. It's a Southern way of cursing politely and not taking the Lord's name in vain (Jesus Christ!) comes from. The South is well-known for having a way with words. 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. As soon as this phrase is said, you immediately stop what you're doing and head over to see what happened. Meaning: (Noun) Yall is a combination of two words you and all which makes it a unique Southern word. (Translation: So lazy he wouldnt chase a snake away.). Dont be lying like a dog on a rug. He doesn't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. 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. Hold on the microwave is on in the kitchen and Im in the bathroom, Ill call you back. You know you overheard those church ladys at the Sunday potluck saying, "Bless her heart" or would catch the tail end of "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!" His bread basket is bigger than a bread basket, if you know what I mean. Question: Great collection you have here. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Answer: I've heard the expression often. Example: If you have common sense, you wouldnt be in this situation. It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. Example: You are barking up the wrong tree. And on the way you are praying that the person in question is not a friend or acquaintance of yours. Example: You are cute as a button, and apparently a bright student! He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! Please move faster. You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. He hasn't got the sense God gave a goose. The loudest problems receive all the attention. Grandma would not recommend buying something sight unseen. The other reason black people love saying this phrase is out of pure pettiness. Some even helped us to stay out of trouble. Meaning: (Phrase) The term knee-high to a bullfrog is a term used to describe the age difference between two people talking. 3. 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 . These sayings are sure to bring back a host of memories and a ton of laughter and of course, some Southern pride. 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. Example: Dont get your feathers ruffled over petty gossip. Example: Hes like a bull in a China shop. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. I'm as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox. Example: I dont like her style, bless her heart. Ive said it so often to my grand nieces as they were growing up, this expression is now used by the girls. "You better know that schoolwork the same way you know them songs"- It was your mom or grandma's way of saying to keep. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. Again, black parents are masters at humbling you. If you are Black you know youve heard these sayings at some point in time throughout your life. 1. Scottish people may have a bleak outlook on life, but their jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier. Don't go borrowing trouble. (Translation: Apparently pretty happy.). When Grandma offers this advice, she wants to ensure that we don't count on something that may not happen. Example: What in tarnation happened in your room? Apparently Carter had a great many pills, because the phrase found its way into the Southern vocabulary. Any idea where this one originated? If I had a dog as ugly as you, I'd shave his butt and make him walk backwards. Positive thinking, Southern style. What Grandma says when you pull in the driveway, pop out of the car, and come running. Meaning: (Phrase) Fine and dandy is used sarcastically, meaning he or she is not fine at all. If it had been a snake, itd bit you. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person cant see what hes looking for even when its right in front of him. The politics of black slang are tricky. He squeezes the quarter so tight the eagle screams. Got it? 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. Could you kindly share that your food with me?" a dry beggar would say something like: "That food looks really good. Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. There are plenty of names for crawfish, but Southerners prefer crawdad. Things in the South aren't "broken"they're "tore . She's so ugly I'd hire her to haunt a house! Example: Well, I declare! Grandma might whisper this one over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday morning. The expression is old and could have originated as an old English proverb. Example: You shouldnt be acting like youre madder than a wet hen in public. as you ran away from your mama when you got in trouble. So dumb he couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel. That sticks in your throat like a hair in a biscuit. This way, youll have a smooth time while experiencing their culture. "All get out" finds its way into Southern phrases constantly, and it intensifies any statement. He's so uppity he deserves a PhD in snobbery. Here in Appalachia, we've heard all of these and many more. Youre so fulla s**t your eyes are brown. Take your own sweet time and Ill call you when suppers ready. Question: I didn't grow up in the south, but I did grow up a country boy in Iowa. 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: Closer than East Jesus, yet farther than yonder. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase proud as a peacock is a saying about a person who is proud and full of him/herself. What Southerners Say About Being Cheap 1. She already knows anywaysomehowso you should go ahead and come clean. 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