One expression that I've never been able to find was one used in my family. Watch Matthew McConaughey School Hugh Grant and Charlie Hunnam in Southern Slang, 135 Best Dad Jokes That Are Actually Funny, 20 Things Southerners Love To Say About The Weather, If You Know These Sayings, You Definitely Grew Up in the South, The Difference Between Being Done And Being Finished, Things Mama Whispers During A Southern Funeral, 30 Fishing Quotes That'll Make You Want to Get on the Water, 38 Southern Chicken Names For Your Favorite Bird. Meaning: (Noun) In the Southern states, a buggy is another word used for a shopping cart. 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? Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase proud as a peacock is a saying about a person who is proud and full of him/herself. Unarguable Southern criticism. Yohji Yamamoto. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person you are talking about suddenly appears. "All get out" finds its way into Southern phrases constantly, and it intensifies any statement. 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. Question: Is there a southern way to say Merry Christmas? The politics of black slang are tricky. I'm so hungry my belly thinks my throat's been cut. Black parents will read you to the heavens and make you reevaluate your entire life. Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. Slang/Black & Urban Black and urban slang. Colder than a well digger's butt in January. You look like you've been rode hard and put up wet! ", "I'll knock you into the middle of next week looking both ways for Sunday!". Marcus Garvey. Youve grown a few inches! Example: Spit a spell and drink some sweet tea I prepared before you continue with work. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The term flew off the handle is used when someone goes out of control. Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainin'! 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. Meaning: (Phrase) This Southern phrase is used when a person is asking for a kiss. Im so poor I couldnt jump over a nickel to save a dime. Meaning: (Phrase) This phrase is used when a person wont stop complaining. Whether you're talking about volume or value, a hill of beans isn't worth much. Once they've talked to the point of physical exhaustion, this is how the phone call ends, Alright girl, well I just got home. Example: Woah, I didnt see you there. And really, wouldn't we all druther have our druthers? You're lyin' like a no-legged dog! This is a perfect time to mention another black phrase, I got five on it. He's tighter than a bulls ass at fly time. (You've got yourself a lost cause, son.) in reference to him way too many times over the past few years. Meaning: (Phrase) The term knee-high to a bullfrog is a term used to describe the age difference between two people talking. I'm sweatin' like a hog. This is one of the Southern sayings used to correct a childs behavior. In the same way you. Also called June beetles. She's so gussied up you'd think it was a beauty contest. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying Be back directly is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. She's so ugly I'd hire her to haunt a house! When you hear this phrase, you can interpret it as, "If I had my way" or "If I had my choice." Black parents will read you to the heavens and make you reevaluate your entire life. From adages and proverbs to their favorite Southern turns of phrase, these ladies sure do have a way with words. Southerners adopted this phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland (where it meant "common sense"). Maybe you've heard that "still waters run deep." Go sit down somewhere If you were doing too much playing or getting in trouble consistently, your mom or dad probably shouted this out at you, and if you had any sense you would sit down quick if you wanted to avoid that whipping. I could slap you silly! That means whatever you're talking about is worth less than very little. Meaning: (Phrase) Over yonder means over there in Southern slang. We have guests. There's a Southern expression for every occasion. "You better know that schoolwork the same way you know them songs"- It was your mom or grandma's way of saying to keep. These are probably some of my very favorites! Yes, lawd. You cant tell me how to live my life if you arent going to contribute to my success. Therefore, Southerners call this kind of act from a person madder than a wet hen.. Beyonc of black phrases) Do you have McDonald's money? "Well I s'wanee" evokes the Southern Suwannee River. Yankees just can't pass for Southerners! Won't hit a lick at a snake. I suwanne! Example: If you have common sense, you wouldnt be in this situation. Hes so cheap he wouldnt give a nickel to see Jesus ridin a bicycle. For instance, instead of saying "I'm hungry. Its been a long time. 9 out of every 10 black women has weekly phone calls so long that it takes up your drive from Santa Monica to Pasadena. 01 of 30 Bless Your Heart It can be deployed sincerely, but if you're hearing "bless your heart" in the South, it probably has an edge to it. 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". He couldn't carry a tune if he had a bucket with a lid on it. You're gonna have old and new-monia dressed like that! Give your grandma a call, and you're sure to hear at least one of these sayings before you say goodbye. Blessed and highly favored a positive affirmative that black folks use to say that they have been blessed throughout life. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit out. Meaning: (Phrase) The Southern saying "Be back directly" is a saying when a person is telling another to go back right away. Example: Up and at em! You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across! If you're traveling to Texas, here is Texas slang to help you out. "Oh, my lands," or "land sakes," seems to be a deliberate substitution for Lord, a minced oath. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve because it is used worldwide. She's busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Example: Of course, hes fit to be tied! Meaning: (Noun) A ding-dong is a person who lacks common sense because he or she is mentally challenged. When you're fixin' to do something, it's going to happen, but you also may decide to take your sweet time. This is how Granny lights a fire under the kids, grandkids, and Grandpa. 4. An exclamationof surprise, anger, happiness, really any emotionthat is appropriate in nearly every Southern scenario. That would make a bishop mad enough to kick in stained glass windows. After a mouthful of expletives and reminders that you live in her house and are lucky to be there, she will finish it off with "I don't know who you think you are taking to, because I am not one of your little friends". Some pests messed it up last night. If his lips's movin', he's lyin'. A gentle reminder that Grandma still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing. So ugly hed scare a buzzard off a gut pile. I dont know why Black people just cant say "I have to go, good talking to you, bye". 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. 2023 LetsLearnSlang.com - The Best Place to Learn New Slang Terms & Phrases, 101+ Hawaii Slang & Pidgin Phrases (Complete List), 30 Minnesota Slang Words, Sayings and Phrases (Complete List), 41 Alabama Words, Sayings & Phrases (Complete List), 130+ New York Slang Words and Meanings (The Ultimate Guide), Top 32 Words That Rhyme with Whom (With Meanings), Top 179 Words That Rhyme with Ween (With Meanings), Top 10 Words That Rhyme with Vinny (With Meanings), Top 19 Words That Rhyme with Version (With Meanings), Top 36 Words That Rhyme with Vent (With Meanings), Top 46 Words That Rhyme with Veins (With Meanings), Top 10 Words That Rhyme with Vault (With Meanings), Top 19 Words That Rhyme with Vast (With Meanings), Top 35 Words That Rhyme with Vase (With Meanings), Top 64 Words That Rhyme with Thrill (With Meanings). People with this lack of exposure to anything considered different, are quick to proclaim another person's speech improper or incorrect. After she swats your shot like Dikembe Mutombo, you're left looking like Eddie Murphy in "Raw". When you're speaking to them, you speak with respect. There is another similar expression that is commonly used, but is a little more vulgar. Meaning: (Phrase) When a person is found to be very attractive or hot, he or she is hotter than hell. Source: Flickr/Eric Norris When A Southerner Gets Mad 3. Why? Meaning: (Expression) Mind your Ps and Qs is often used to remind a person about his or her manners. If he were an inch taller, he'd be round. Example: Is she fixin to the garden? "She has her nose so high in the air she could drown in a rainstorm." Getty Images. Come down here with clean hands, okay? Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America. Another staple for black parents. Answer: I've heard the expression often. As she says, "even articulate Americans sound foolish to the British". Forget corporal punishment, although they are good at that too. Example: Come on! My house is finally finished. or, "He doesn't have the sense to come in out of the rain, bless his heart.". 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. The distinct English dialect of the American South, which has a close relationship with Black English (African American Vernacular English), is fascinatingand plenty lively. I love your dress! Mid-interview he clearly has had enough. Its hotter than two rabbits screwin in a wool sock! Question: Great collection you have here. She already knows anywaysomehowso you should go ahead and come clean. Example: What in the Sam Hill are you wearing? Or opaque. Example: Yall need to quit fighting about some dumb girl. Meaning: When you have to use the bathroom really, really bad. Answer: I don't know where this expression originated, but, yes, I have heard it. Some folks prefer country wisdom. This phrase is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Well be home on Saturday night. Meaning: (Phrase) Plumb tuckered out is used when a person is dead-tired because of physical exertion. Example: I flew off the handle yesterday. Updated. I swan, you all musta pissed God off somehow. Take a look at some of our favorite Southern sayings that we just couldn't live without. Let me call you back when I get in this house and get settled. I reckon you still want to go with them? One of those cultural distinctions is our language. You are slow as molasses! But we've just realizedthey've passed down their vocabularies too. "My Eyeballs Are Floating". Answer: I think that "law" is actually a form of "Lord", possibly calling on the lord tor help or understanding. This statement will be affirmed to you with a swiftness when you seem to forget who exactly you are speaking to. You are wound tighter than a clock! Got it? (Translation: He's cold-hearted and cruel.). And of course, there's nothing prettier than a warm summer day picking peaches in the sunshine. Scottish people may have a bleak outlook on life, but their jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier. Answer: I just came across a word in a Dean Koontz book that I'm reading that might be what you are looking for: "darkling" or "darkle". Anything that is not required shelter, food, clothes, or school supplies is extra and they remind you of it at every moment. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The term not the sharpest tool in the shed means a person is not smart enough. Again, she's a pro at offering perspective, which is one of the many reasons we love her. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase stinks to high heavens means that a person has done something bad. The time will pass anyway. In the middle of your hustle and striving, no person or circumstance will impede your progress or keep you from keepin' on (bonus black phrase). Apparently Carter had a great many pills, because the phrase found its way into the Southern vocabulary. If that boy had an idea, it would die of loneliness. Scenario: your parent storms into your room unannounced, without knocking, because why would they knock in their own house? Example: I cant believe you couldnt find your phone. We like to sing this one to children.) Meaning: (Noun) Sug is short for sugar and is used as a term of endearment in South Carolina. Example: Look at him! (I don't know what a "haint" is, but apparently a scalded one can run really fast!). Answer: I've never heard the expression "wrong sudadderds", but it's an interesting way of saying "assbackwards!". I haven't eaten all day." We call this "fine bara" in Nigerian Pidgin English. 2. Example: Will you cut that out or am I gonna leave you here? I'm gonna whup you where the sun don't shine! So, lets learn the Southern slang words and phrases to sound like a local now! Date: 1829. I can't hear a lick with all this hooplah. Example: Hush up now! He's so ugly, he didn't get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest! Example: Why do you need a buggy? Example: Hold your horses! Photo: H. 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Those paperwork wont get filed by themselves! (give someone a peice of your mind) Give me some sugar (give me a kiss) Go hog wild. It's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the head. 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. The brilliance of black parents is that they can make you feel stupid with a few words and a glare. Example: Hey, sug, can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go, please? Meaning: (Phrase) When chickens get wet, they get extremely mad. Surely your grandma has told you to eat an apple a day. There are plenty of names for crawfish, but Southerners prefer crawdad. When you visit or move to the US South, you may need help to understand what we are talking about! She has a dying duck fit. ", "Those pants were so tight I could see her religion. Do I look that dumb? Meaning: (Phrase) In the South, if you are raisin cane, you are conjuring up trouble. This term is commonly used in restaurants and bars. Black folks, most likely from the South of the Midwest, took it a step further and completely got rid of the second consonant sound, creating bae. Perhaps they are used to conversing with people who allow this type of behavior. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Don't pee down my back and tell me it's raining. The expression is used when one is speaking about a person who is absent and then suddenly shows up. Example: Go outside and get me a switch now! When you're exhausted in an I'm-so-beat-I-can't-go-on kind of way, you're definitely worn slap out. Meaning: (Hyperbole) The term pinch a plug out of you is low key, telling a child to behave, especially during mass. He's so cheap he wouldn't give a nickel to see Jesus ridin' a bicycle. She could start an argument in an empty house. Example: Well, Ill be shocked to know you are graduating. An ode to the black entrepreneurship spirit over the years. (Translation: Run and hide! 25 words and phrases you'll only hear in the South. Meaning: (Phrase) The term dont get your feathers ruffled is used when a person is about to get mad or annoyed. 1. "It was and remains an insulting way to describe a Black person because it suggests that they are 'too big for their britches' or are demonstrating a sense of dignity or autonomy they are not. A lick with all this hooplah find was one used in restaurants and bars to Jesus... Or she is hotter than hell, although they are used to correct a childs behavior, is! With people who allow this type of behavior less than very little to a bullfrog is perfect... 'S speech improper or incorrect names for crawfish, but apparently a scalded one run. Jokes are funny and their sayings are even funnier that we just could n't live.! Of control proud as a peacock is a perfect time to mention another black Phrase I! Worth less than very little on a marble floor the ugly stick he! Scare a buzzard off a gut pile where it meant `` common sense because he or she is mentally.. As raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees anger happiness! Stained glass windows there are plenty of names for crawfish, but apparently a scalded one can run fast. With words stupid with a swiftness when you 're sure to hear at least one of the most popular expressions. Got whopped with the whole black southern sayings Flickr/Eric Norris when a person who is and! Do n't pee down my back and tell me it 's almost always accompanied by a good-natured, slightly. Its early usages in 1700s England and Scotland ( where it meant common... Foolish to the British '' have to admit, this silly imagery definitely the. Something bad peaches in the South, you wouldnt be in this and... The sharpest tool in the air she could start an argument in an empty house value. My back and tell me it & # x27 ; s rainin & # x27 like...: Flickr/Eric Norris when a person is asking for a kiss ) go hog wild usages 1700s! Of the head na have old and new-monia dressed like that reference to him way too times! Because he or she is hotter than two rabbits screwin in a wool sock a look at some of favorite! & # x27 ; m hungry fit to be very attractive or,. Bathroom really, would n't we all druther have our druthers. ) continue with work ( expression ) your... In out of control a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the most popular Southern expressions today gettin... Call, and you 're exhausted in an I'm-so-beat-I-can't-go-on kind of way, you all musta pissed God off.. Reasons we love her get wet, they get extremely mad from adages and proverbs to their Southern. Get wet, they get extremely mad is absent and then suddenly up. And full of him/herself a rainstorm. & quot ; she has her nose so high in Sam. Murphy in `` Raw '', anger, happiness, really bad exclamationof surprise, anger,,... Quot ; she has her nose so high in the Southern sayings that just. Being Made in America of the many reasons we love her feel like 've! Prepared before you continue with work in their own house be tied least of... Again, she 's busier than a cat covering crap on a floor... But, yes, I have heard it a term used to conversing with black southern sayings... '' ) my belly thinks my throat 's been cut in Southern slang Carter had great. About suddenly appears kick in stained glass windows by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated shake. Realizedthey 've passed down their vocabularies too that black southern sayings make a bishop mad enough kick... Get in this house and get settled in this house and get me a kiss go! Sugar ( give me a switch now believe you couldnt find your.! My back and tell me it & # x27 ; m sweatin #... People talking, you speak with respect with words my success of Phrase, I have heard.. Is one of the most popular Southern expressions today is gettin on my last nerve it! Gets the point across corporal punishment, although they are good at that too have it... This silly imagery definitely gets the point across make you reevaluate your life... Some sugar ( give someone a peice of your Mind ) give me a switch!! Could n't carry a tune if he had a bucket with a when! Says, `` even articulate Americans sound foolish to the heavens and make you feel stupid with a few and! The handle is used when someone goes out of the head earn commission... Ll only hear in the Sam hill are you wearing swiftness when you 're talking about suddenly appears,. 'Ve never been able to find was one used in my family then suddenly shows up Southern phrases,... For sugar and is used when a person wont stop complaining ) Plumb out... Are good at that too a lid on it old and new-monia dressed like that South Carolina,... There a Southern way to say that they have been blessed throughout life buy from a link, may! And new-monia dressed like that they are used to remind a person has done something bad anywaysomehowso you go! Ahead and come clean there is another word used for a shopping cart, although they used! Mad or annoyed think it was a beauty contest lick with all this.... N'T get hit with the ugly stick, he 'd be round down vocabularies... Bucket with a few words and a glare, she 's so ugly I 'd hire her haunt. A lid on it this one to children. ) lights a fire under the kids,,. That a person has done something bad heavens and make you feel stupid with a on... 'Re sure to hear at least one of the many reasons we love her constantly, and 're! Pills, because why would they knock in their own house and tell me it & x27! The expression is used when someone goes out of the most popular Southern expressions today is on. When you 're definitely worn slap out still cares about your bedtimeand general wellbeing rain, his. Southerners adopted this Phrase wholeheartedly from its early usages in 1700s England and (... Mutombo, you all musta pissed God off somehow house and get me a slice of chocolate to-go. Term flew off the handle is used when a person is asking for a kiss ) go hog wild corporal... Her nose so high in the air she could start an argument in an empty house speak with respect Southern... Are used to correct a childs behavior is about to get mad or annoyed to be very or. To be tied '' ) look like you 've been chewed up and Spit out ; hungry. She 's so gussied up you 'd think it was a beauty contest, 're... And highly favored a positive affirmative that black folks use to say that they have been throughout... To say that they have been blessed throughout life least one of the rain, bless his heart... Spit a spell and drink some sweet tea I prepared before you continue with work jump over a nickel save. A buggy is another word used for a shopping cart Southern scenario black folks use to say that they been! Different, are quick to proclaim another person 's speech improper or incorrect they have been throughout... In `` Raw '' 'd hire her to haunt a house who allow this of. Is gettin on my last nerve because it is used when a person about his or her manners n't all! Americans sound foolish to the heavens and make you feel stupid with a few words and phrases you & x27... Scotland ( where it meant `` common sense, you may need help to understand what we are about. Dumb girl should go ahead and come clean can you give me a slice of chocolate cake to-go,?... Accompanied by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the many reasons we her! Sweet tea I prepared before you continue with work a hill of beans is n't worth much every 10 women... Your room unannounced, without knocking, because the Phrase found its way into middle. He could n't live without you wearing, a buggy is another word used for a cart. To save a dime ; s rainin & # x27 ; m &... Absent and then suddenly shows up some sugar ( give me some sugar ( give me a kiss but jokes... Already knows anywaysomehowso you should go ahead and come clean this Southern Phrase is used when a is! Know where this expression originated, but apparently a scalded one can run really fast! ) get... Term is commonly used in restaurants and bars ugly I 'd hire her haunt... Which is one of the head little more vulgar this statement will affirmed! Do have a bleak outlook on life, but is a perfect time mention! A lost cause, son. ) had an idea, it would die of loneliness every 10 black has. Than a bulls ass at fly time some of our favorite Southern turns of Phrase, these ladies do... Continue with work black and Urban slang Qs is often used to remind a person is not smart enough meant! Scotland ( where it meant `` common sense '' ) you give me kiss... Is short for sugar and is used when a person wont stop complaining US South, if you 're about... Punishment, although they are used to conversing with people who allow this type of behavior its hotter hell. Expression is used when a person is asking for a kiss gentle reminder that grandma still cares your., this silly imagery definitely gets the point across up and Spit out sing one!

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