21 Southern Sayings That Everyone From Alabama Can Relate To
Start writing a post
Travel

21 Southern Sayings That Everyone From Alabama Says Regularly And Can Relate To

If you're from Alabama, you've said this once, twice, or daily.

522
21 Southern Sayings That Everyone From Alabama Says Regularly And Can Relate To
Molly Joiner

I grew up in rural Alabama, and it shows. Before coming to a major university, I didn't know I had an accent, and I had no idea why people couldn't understand some of the things I said. Turns out, I use southern slang and phrases more than I realized. So, buckle your britches and hold on tight because we're about to get country fried up in here.

1. "Colder than a brass toilet seat on the shady side of an iceberg."

I once used this to describe a snow day to my roommate who is from Rhode Island. I know it was only around 32 degrees, but I was certain that I was near death.

2. "Scared the living daylights out of me."

This basically means I am scared. Max level scared. Like on a scale of one to ten, it's a thirteen and some change.

3. "I wouldn't trust her/him to cook Poke Salad."

Poke Sallet, often referred to as "Poke Salad," is a southern dish made from a poisonous plant called Pokeweed that goes wild in many southern states. If you don't prepare the weed correctly, it can cause those who consume it to become seriously ill. So, this saying basically means, "I don't have a problem with her/him, but I wouldn't trust her/him with my life."

4. "I've eaten crow before, and I guess I'll do it again."

"Eating crow" is admitting defeat.

5. "I'll be on directly."

This means you'll arrive soon.

6. "We need to have a 'Come to Jesus' meeting."

You don't want to suffer through a "Come to Jesus" meeting, ever. Basically, it means you're about to get an ear-full or worse regarding your actions.

7. "He's only jawing."

Jawing is basically talking for no reason. Don't jaw. It's unbecoming.

8. "He's just talking to hear himself."

Similar to jawing. This means you're talking to sound smart or just to have something to say that lacks any merit.

9. "Crazier than a run-over dog."

Basically, whoever you're talking about in this instance is crazier than a dog that's been run over by a car. And let me tell you, they're crazy.

10. "Faster than greased lightning."

Lighting is fast right? Like ba link, and you'll miss it fast. So now add some slippery Crisco and you have greased lightning. It's faster than the speed of light because it has the extra grease. At least, that's the logic behind this saying. It just means whatever you're referring to is really fast, OK?

11. "Well, butter my biscuits."

A declaration of happy surprise, or maybe as a sarcastic surprise. It's all in the delivery.

12. "Grinnin' like a possum."

Have you seen a possum "grin"? They have a big ole smile.

13. "Sweatin' like a hooker in church."

I mean, I guess she's uncomfortable. IDK.

14. "Well, aren't you precious?" 

Unless this is used by an elderly woman who is referring to a child, this is as sarcastic as they come. Like if an adult says this to another adult, they may be on the verge of fighting. It's sarcasm in its most pure form.

15. "Blinder than a bat."

It means the person you're referring to has bad vision. I think bats can actually see, but we don't mess with sacred sayings such as this.

16. "I'll light a fire under your tail."

This either means you're about to get a spanking or be put under some serious pressure if something is not done.

17. "Pitch a fit."

The equivalent of "throwing a tantrum."

18. "Gooder 'n' grits."

This means "better than" grits. Or whatever y'all eat up there, maybe oatmeal?

19. "Well, she ain't no saint neither."

Throwing blame away from yourself the southern way, with double negatives.

20. "Makes about as much sense as using a driving a truck with only three wheels."

The plan makes no sense.

21. "Shinier than a new penny."

It's really shiny, OK? New pennies are so shiny, and for whatever reason, every grandparent in the south has a minor obsession with pennies.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56455
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36360
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958260
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188391
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments