The South is known for a lot of things—its cuisine, its music, its love of football, and its warm hospitality. It’s also known for its colloquial sayings, which often leave the rest of us feeling completely baffled. If you’re planning a trip south anytime soon, here are 17 phrases you might hear and what they mean.
“What in the Sam Hill”
This is an expression that is used in place of an expletive, reflecting the southern propensity to avoid swearing. According to Word Origins, it is likely a “euphemism for hell or the devil. The origin is not known for certain, but it is most likely just a variation on the word hell.” Others believe that the phrase was derived from a real person, Sam Hill.
“Madder than a Wet Hen”
This phrase is used to describe extreme anger. It’s said to originate from the practice of attempting to calm hens by dunking them in water and reflects rural life and practices in the South. The phrase supposedly came to be in the early 1800s.
“Take Your Own Sweet Time”
The meaning of this phrase may seem obvious upon first reading it—it may even sound polite. In actuality, the saying is used sarcastically by those in the South and indicates frustration with someone’s slowness. Consider it part of the southern tradition of softened language.
“High on the Hog”
To be high on the hog means to be living a life of luxury and comfort. As shared by The Phrase Finder, the saying is said to have been derived from the fact that “the best cuts of meat on a pig come from the back and upper leg and that the wealthy ate cuts from high on the hog.”
“‘Til the Cows Come Home”
This phrase used by people in the South means a very long time, possibly all day. Doing something ‘til the cows come home can also mean that the activity is futile or unproductive. It’s based on the slow pace of returning cows, reflecting the rural, agricultural lifestyle in southern states.
“What in Tarnation?”
A more polite way to say damnation, this phrase is used to express shock or disbelief and dates back to the late 18th century. According to It’s a Southern Thing, “tarnation was derived from ‘darnation,’ which was the first substitute euphemism for damnation that was commonly used in those days. The ‘tar’ in tarnation was likely pulled from the word ‘tarnal,’ which is a dialectal shortcut for ‘eternal.’ Put ’em together, and you’ve got tarnal darnation (eternal damnation) = tarnation.”
“If I Had My Druthers”
The saying “if I had my druthers” expresses a preference to avoid something or that someone would rather do something else. In other words, it translates to, “If I got my say.” The word druthers is a morph of ‘would rather.’ It shows the creative wordplay used in southern slang.
“Funny as All Get Out”
“As all get out” is used to intensify any statement, meaning to the utmost degree. The saying isn’t just used when things are funny, either. You could also say, “He’s mad as all get out” or “It was crazy as all get out.” The phrase was said to have been used as early as 1869.
“Worn Slap Out”
When someone in the South says they’re “worn slap out,” it’s more than just being tired—it’s a deep level of exhaustion, often said after enduring a particularly demanding task or day. It can also be heard in the summer when it’s extremely hot. Other variations of the saying include “worn slam out.”
“Hush Your Mouth”
This one may seem self-explanatory, but the phrase means more than just telling someone to be quiet. It’s used to quiet someone speaking offensively and is also a general admonishment for rowdiness. The saying is common in southern family settings, like church, and is typically used by older adults.
“Full as a Tick”
This phrase is used to describe being extremely full after a meal, likening the feeling of fullness to a tick that’s engorged with blood. It’s a humorous and vivid expression common in southern dining contexts—a testament to the southern tradition of not just enjoying a meal but relishing it to the fullest.
“Faster Than a Knife Fight in a Phone Booth”
This saying describes something happening very quickly or in a frantic manner. As described by ESL Vault, it refers to a “very unpredictable and chaotic” situation. “Combat with sharp blades in such close quarters is bound to end in no time at all.” It reflects the southern love for hyperbolic expressions and highlights their penchant for dramatic storytelling.
“Tighter Than Dick’s Hatband”
This phrase refers to something being very tight, often in a financial context—a playful expression of being financially cautious to an extreme degree. If someone is “tighter than Dick’s hatband,” it means they have an extreme level of frugality or constraint.
“Couldn’t Carry a Tune in a Bucket”
This saying is used humorously to describe someone who’s not a good singer. The Village Idiom explains, “It implies that the person is so musically inept that they would not be capable of holding or carrying a note even if it were placed in a bucket for them.”
“Running Around Like a Chicken With Its Head Cut Off”
Someone “running around like a chicken with its head cut off” is someone acting in a frantic or disorganized manner. This is based on the literal action of a chicken running around chaotically after being beheaded—a vivid way to depict disorderly behavior.
“Slicker than a Minnow’s Back”
To be “slicker than a minnow’s back” means to be very slippery, elusive, or cunning. This phrase is often used to describe someone clever in a sly way, using the slick nature of a fish as a metaphor.
“Fine as Frog’s Hair”
This is a whimsical southern way of describing something very delicate or fine. The humor lies in the fact that frogs don’t have hair, so it’s an imaginary standard of fineness. This expression showcases the playful and creative nature of southern speech.
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