35 Sayings Only Said In The South
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Student Life

35 Sayings Only Said In The South

Common southern expressions translated for those not from 'round here.

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35 Sayings Only Said In The South
Brent Michael / Flickr

1. "I’m fixin’ to run up to the pig."

Translation: I’m going to buy groceries at the Piggly Wiggly.

2. "I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church!"

Translation: I’m sweating heavily.

3. "Pretty is as pretty does!"

Translation: Good looks cannot hide a bad or "ugly" attitude. A "pretty" personality shows your true beauty; it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

4. "You’re gettin’ too big for your britches."

Translation: You’re being overconfident or cocky.

5. "The War of Northern Aggression"

Translation: The Civil War

6. "I’ve got half a mind to turn you over my knee!"

Translation: I should give you a spanking!

7. "Stop being ugly."

Translation: Lose the bad attitude.

8. "Sounds like you got the short end of the stick."

Translation: You received the worse part of an unfair deal or trade.

9. "Give me some sugar ‘fore you leave."

Translation: Kiss me before you leave.

10. "You shouldn’t let people ruffle your feathers."

Translation: You shouldn’t let people upset you.

11. "We’re off like a herd of turtles!"

Translation: We’re leaving, but very slowly!

12. "That boy’s dumber than a bag of hammers."

Translation: He is very dumb.

13. "They’re like two peas in a pod."

Translation: They get along together very well.

14. "She’s just playin’ possum."

Translation: She’s just pretending to be asleep.

15. "Hold your horses!"

Translation: Stop right there! or Be patient!

16. “Bless your heart” can have multiple meanings:

"Bless your heart, I’m sorry to hear that!"

Translation: That is terrible news, I’m very sorry!

or

"Bless your heart, you didn’t have to go to all that trouble!"

Translation: You are so sweet; you did not have to do that!

or

"Bless your heart."

Translation: I’m sorry you were dumb enough to do that.

17. "Don’t go barking up the wrong tree!"

Translation: Be careful not to mess with the wrong person!

18. "Pull your britches up!"

Translation: Pull up your pants!

19. "Go wash up for supper."

Translation: Go get ready for dinner.

20. "Just chunk it."

Translation: Just throw it away.

21. "Who wants to say grace?"

Translation: Who is going to pray?

22. "What’re you gettin’ all gussied up for?"

Translation: Why are you getting dressed up?

23. "You are cute as a button!"

Translation: You are very cute!

24. "Toss me that clicker."

Translation: Hand me the remote.

25. "Mash that mute button wouldya?"

Translation: Can you hit the mute button?

26. "Aww, shucks."

Translation: I’m blushing.

27. "Quit throwin’ a hissy fit."

Translation: Stop throwing a temper tantrum.

28. "I’m gonna go use the commode."

Translation: I’m gonna go use the toilet/ bathroom.

29. "If the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise."

Translation: As long as God allows it, and nothing bad happens.

30. "I reckon."

Translation: I guess.

31. "These are my old stompin’ grounds."

Translation: This is where I grew up.

32. "It's over yonder."

Translation: It's over there.

33. "Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!"

Translation: Don’t let the doorknob hit your butt on your way out. (Used to “politely” tell someone to get out of your house immediately.)

34. "Damn Yankees."

Translation: Those Northerners.

35. "You can’t ride two horses with one ass."

Translation: You have to make up your mind.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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