Northerners Have Absolutely No Idea What These Quintessentially Southern Phrases Mean
Sometimes Southern America and Northern America see eye to eye, and sometimes these two poles of the country have separate ways of thinking, being and even speaking. The American South is full of unique cultural quirks. The south is known for homestyle cuisine, a love for football, and the slang that makes you wonder if they're speaking another language.
People from other parts of America have a hard time deciphering what exactly those Southern folk are trying to say, so we created this Southern slang dictionary to get them up to speed.
What It Means To Be "Full As A Tick"
Nobody really wants to be compared to a blood-sucking parasite, but in the south, if you feel too full after a delicious meal, you might describe yourself as being "full as a tick."
Ticks drink up a large amount of blood and then swell up like a balloon. It's kind of similar to what happens to us after we eat way too much fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple pie. It's not a pretty image, but it's accurate.
The Real Meaning Behind "Aren't You Precious"
"Aren't you precious" is a phrase people in the south hear all the time. Southerners have a knack for disguising insults as compliments. "Aren't you precious" is a thinly veiled insult. It's usually loaded with polite-sounding sarcasm.
The phrase is basically a nice way of calling someone dumb, weird, or questionable. It's often a retaliation when somebody feels personally offended. It's also often said with a big fake smile. It's an awfully infantilizing and condescending phrase.
What The Phrase, "If The Creek Don't Rise" Means
If somebody asks you to come out to a party, and you'd like to go but you're not sure if you can make it, you might say, "Well, Jim, if the creek don't rise, I'll be there." We all have busy lives and sometimes life just gets in the way of our plans. Saying "if the creek don't rise" is like saying "if life doesn't get in the way."
It's just slang for we'll see what I can do, but no guarantees.
What It Means To "See To Christmas"
If you haven't heard this southern phrase before, you might think that it has something to do with a very famous winter holiday. That's not exactly the case. People might use the phrase "see to Christmas" to describe an outfit that's particularly revealing.
If you're wearing a skirt that's a little too short or a top that's a little too low, your conservative southern grandma might say that she can "see to Christmas." You better keep those knees covered in the south.
What "Being Ugly" Really Means
If somebody in the south says that you're "being ugly," they aren't referring to your outward appearance. Somebody who is described as "being ugly" is somebody who is acting rude, mean, or spiteful.
It's a phrase that people use to criticize each other's attitudes. Parents might say that their kids are being ugly when they act up or refuse to play nicely with the other kids on the playground. The phrase doesn't just apply to kids, though. Anyone of any age can be ugly.
What It Means To Be "Pretty As A Peach"
Sometimes a woman might look dashing to the eye, and you wish to compliment her. Sure, a simple "you look nice" or "how beautiful" can suffice, but in the south, there's a different phrase.
Southerners will tell her she looks pretty as a peach. It's not to be taken in the literal sense, it's just a short and sweet way of saying a girl how nice she looks. Ladies, next time you frequent the south, don't be alarmed.
What Even Is A "Yankee?"
If you aren't from the south, then there's a chance someone from there might throw this term at you. You don't have to enjoy baseball or even be a fan of the Yankee's to earn this title.
If someone calls you a Yankee, it merely means they assume you're from the north, or you act like it. Yankee became popular in the south during the Civil War as a means to refer to Union soldiers.
What "Till The Cows Come Home" Actually Means
You might not own a farm, but the phrase till the cows come home can still apply to you. If someone you know who usually takes a long time tells you he or she will be right back, deep down, you know that's not the case.
You'll be waiting till the cows come home for that person. The southern phrase implies that your wait time won't be short and that you should be prepared to do something else in the meantime.
What It Means To Be "Three Sheets To The Wind"
If you've gotten drunk before, then more than likely this phrase could have been applied to you. When you've had one too many drinks, but you swear to your friends that you'll be fine, they might not agree.
Ten minutes later and you're standing on the bar asking for the bartender's number. You've for sure had too much alcohol and the phrase three sheets to the wind certainly applies. This phrase has nautical roots but is used commonly in the south today. A "sheet" is a rope that's unmoored and is flailing about wildly in the wind, just like a drunk person.
What It Means To Be "Madder Than A Wet Hen"
We've never encountered a wet hen, but this slang term has nothing to do with them. If you hear that a woman is "madder than a wet hen," you shouldn't press any of her buttons. There's no telling what she's capable of doing when enraged.
Remember, "hell has no fury like a woman scorned." If you can remember that, then you will be comfortable remembering what the southern phrase madder than a wet hen means.
We Have "A Mind To" Teach You What This Phrase Means
If you're thinking in your head about what you're going to do next, planning... contemplating... there's a certain term for that in the south. Can you think about what it might be? You definitely don't hear this one in other parts of the country.
If you're thinking about something, you have "a mind to" do it. So you might say, "I have a mind to go over to Tom's house to help him work on his car, but I'm not sure when."
What It Means To Have A "Hissy Fit"
People all over America may use this phrase, but it's definitely used more in the south. A "hissy fit" is another name for a temper tantrum. For example, if your kid sees a chocolate bar near the checkout counter at the grocery store and starts screaming in an attempt to get you to buy that chocolate bar, you could say that the kid is having a hissy fit.
This phrase is also used to describe unwanted adult behavior.
What It Means To "Piddle"
What in the world do you think "piddle" means? For Southern folks, it means that you're being lazy or procrastinating at a task. We're sure that you have more than a friend or two who "piddles" around, right? It can also mean wasting something.
To use it in a sentence, you could say, "Would you stop piddling around back there and get it done?" Or even, "Jane was going to come out tonight but she piddled away all her money before Friday."
Why You Really "Can't Make A Silk Purse Out Of A Sow's Ear"
Once again, here's another reference to an animal, but this time its a pig. Southerners aren't referring to a female pig when they use this phrase at all. They're merely saying it as an insult.
If you get told this, someone is taking a jab at your cheap taste. If you don't know how to dress or always wear tacky clothes, you will be the poster child for this saying. People can be so mean sometimes.
Are You "Happy As A Pig In Mud?"
Are pigs happy when they're in mud? This is something that city folks certainly know nothing about. When was the last time most West Coasters even saw a pig? Probably at the County Fair. For those who don't know, yes, pigs are very happy when they are in mud.
So if you were to say, "Jimmy is as happy as a pig in mud at college" that means that Jimmy is very happy that he chose to go away to college.
Why The "Dog Won't Hunt"
Even if you're not a hunter, you might be able to figure out what this Southern phrase means. "Dog won't hunt" literally means that the dog won't do his job to go hunting with his owner to find raccoons, birds, or other small animals.
As a Southern phrase, "dog won't hunt" basically means "that won't work." This can be used as a response when someone provides an idea that you know won't get you anywhere.
What It Means When You're "Preaching To The Choir"
Okay, c'mon now. you know this one, right? "Preaching to the choir" is one of the more well-known, common phrases from the South that's been adopted by people who live across the country.
It simply means that you're arguing a point, or telling someone something that they already believe. If you say, "the rent is too high!" to your roommate, who also believes that the rent is too high, and has already told you this, well then, you're preaching to the choir.
What The Phrase "There's More Than One Way To Skin A Cat" Means
No, there isn't anyone out there testing multiple ways to skin a cat. Southerners just like using animals in their phrases. This slang term is more about functionality than anything else.
When you hear this term, it means that there has to be another way to get something done. Tired of eating cereal that gets soggy so fast? Add the milk first, then the cereal, and enjoy your breakfast food longer without the soggy mess.
What It Means To Be A "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof"
We don't know about you, but we're under the impression that southerners like adding animals into their metaphors. "Cat on a hot tin roof" follows the mold and has an interesting definition.
If someone says anything that suggests a person was like a cat on a hot tin roof, then they're saying that person was acting anxious and sketchy. Think about what the literal phrase would look like and you can imagine this way better in your mind.
What It Means To Be "Living In High Cotton"
Most know that the cotton industry started in the South and is embedded in the roots of Southern culture. There are plenty of cotton fields in the South, and Southerners know that the higher the cotton bush is, the more cotton it will produce, and hence, more money.
So if someone says they're "living in high cotton" it means that they are feeling financially secure, or wealthy. If you moved and got a new job you could tell your friends you're "living in high cotton now."
"If I Had My Druthers" You'd Already Know What This Phrase Means
This Southern phrase originated from a 1950s Broadway musical depicting Southern life, called Li'l Abner. In the musical, poking fun at the lifestyle of the rural South, they used the phrase "If I had my druthers..."
This phrase basically means "If i had my way..." so you would say "If I had my druthers, this party would be over by nine and I'd be in bed by 10." You likely won't hear this phrase as commonly as some of the others on this list!
Why People Say "Hush Your Mouth"
This one is quite straightforward and you've probably said it more than once. Whenever someone gets on your nerves or continuously speaks, just tell them to hush their mouth. There are many variants of this too, like put a sock in it or close your lips.
This particular way of phrasing it is the southern way, but you more than likely heard it elsewhere. If you grew up in the south, then you know to hush your mouth when your parents are talking to you.
What It Means To Be "Barking Up The Wrong Tree"
You've probably heard this phrase before but didn't know it originates from the south. People put themselves in situations that have them barking up the wrong tree all the time. Most of the time, you don't even recognize it until someone else tells you.
Generally, you're barking up the wrong tree when you speak on a matter you're not too versed in or if you assume the wrong thing. "If you think I'm going to give you $100, then you're barking up the wrong tree."
What It Means To Be "No Bigger Than A Minnow In A Fishing Pond"
If there's one thing we know about southerners, it's that they really like their metaphors. You might use the phrase "no bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond" if you want to describe something that's very small.
When people go fishing, they're hoping to reel in a decent-sized fish like a bass or a trout. Minnows are super small. They're not good eatin' fish. If you're smaller than a minnow, then you're smaller than the smallest fish in the pond.
What "Sweating More Than A Sinner In Church" Means
Sometimes, the sun can be rude to the inhabitants of Earth. We didn't ask for it to feel like we're slowly descending into the pit of an active volcano. Maybe the air conditioner just broke, and it's the hottest day of the summer, and you're stuck inside.
In any of those scenarios, you will be sweating more than a sinner in church. That's a southern phrase that implies those who do no good feel the heat when they go to church.
What "All Get Out" Means
"All get out" is a Southern phrase that means something along the lines of the most extreme example, the ultimate. It's a phrase that you can use throughout the day in a lot of instances, though, so you might want to adopt this one!
You could say, "I'm hungry as all get out." Or, "that concert was as good as all get out." You're basically saying that whatever it is, it's the maximum.
What It Means To Have "Gumption"
You've heard this one before, right? "Gumption" is a word that's been carried over and used by many people, but it originated from the South. If someone tells you that you have gumption, it means that they think you are bold and courageous.
This isn't used in a negative way, as if you foolishly carried out something with bravado, but rather a compliment, that someone admires your bravery. Add this one to your vocab!
What It Means To Be "Cattywampus"
Believe it or not, the word "cattywampus" has absolutely nothing to do with cats. It's a fun word to say that rolls off your tongue the more you say it. This silly word refers to something beings a little off-kilter, tilted, or sloped. If you're trying to hang a painting in your living room and it isn't sitting level, you might say that it's quite cattywampus.
Try using this word out in your everyday life.
Why People Say "I Declare"
"I declare" is a phrase that you would insert at the beginning of a sentence. You can basically use it in any sentence, but when you do, it means that you strongly believe whatever you follow it up with.
So if you say, "I do declare, it is hot today!" You're saying it's really hot. Or if you say, "I do declare, this is some good chicken you cooked" you're giving a compliment, saying this is really good chicken.
What It Means To be "Fixin' To" Do Something
Has anyone ever told you to do something that you already planned on doing? It happens all the time, and southerners have a neat phrase to use a response. It's simple and only two words: fixin' to.
"Hey, what are you about to do?" "Well, I'm fixin' to do the dishes then go for a six-mile run." See, there's nothing to it. Unless you're really fixin' to "fix" something, this usually just means you're about to do something.
What "Hold Your Horses" Really Means
Hold your horses! That doesn't mean to go to your barn and grab hold of your precious animal. This is another common phrase that might not throw you off guard, and it simple to grasp.
If you ever hear this slang, someone is trying to tell you to simmer down and wait. Sometimes, people can get anxious and become impatient, simply ask them to hold their horses and hopefully, they'll listen to your kind request.
What "Over Yonder" Means
The word "yonder" means "at some distance in the direction indicated." When somebody says that something is "over yonder," they mean that it's a few miles away in the direction that they're pointing.
Basically, it means "over there," but southerners like to give that old common phrase their own fancy twist. Now if you ask somebody for directions in the south, you won't be so confused (not that "over yonder" was a confusing phrase, to begin with).
What It Means To "Reckon"
We reckon that it's about time to teach you about the word "reckon." Reckon is just another way of saying guess, imagine, believe, expect, or suppose. It's a word that goes after a statement that a person isn't too sure about.
We reckon that these southern phrases aren't too hard to understand, wouldn't you agree? "Reckon" isn't a word that's used too much outside of the southern states, but it might catch on in other parts of the country if we keep trying to incorporate it into our vocabulary.
What The Phrase "Stompin' Grounds" Means
If you had to take a guess not knowing what this phrase meant, you might get it correct. It's pretty much translates to what it's saying. Stompin' grounds is what you call the place you consider home.
If you leave your hometown for college or a new job and return, then you're going back to your old stompin' grounds. That's what they say in the south whereas other areas might say the old neighborhood or just "hood."
What It Means To Be "Too Big For Your Britches"
Southerners typically call their undergarments and pants britches. If you hear the phrase, you're too big for your britches, that doesn't mean you're overweight at all (unless the person is disrespectful). Instead, it means someone might be getting ahead of themselves.
Being too big for your britches indicates that you think too highly of yourself. For example, challenging what your parents say when you're young will make you too big for your britches, and you might be disciplined.
What It Means If "You Can't Carry A Tune In A Bucket"
We apologize in advance if you've ever been told this phrase. Perhaps someone said it in passing and you didn't know what it meant. Well, take a deep breath. You can't carry a tune in a bucket stands for "you can't sing."
It's that simple. Not even a bucket can you sound good. That's got to be pretty bad because the acoustics in a bucket make for a great singing voice on anyone. Don't let this be you.
Why Southerners Preach That "God Don't Like Ugly"
This is as southern as it gets. Remember, to refrain from "being ugly" you have to always keep in mind that "God don't like ugly." All this means is that acting in an unwanted manner isn't welcomed.
Don't be rude or mean if there isn't a reason to. Stay positive and keep away from negativity. There's no reason for you be ugly if you focus on the good. Shift your mindset toward optimism and you'll never have to worry about hearing this phrase.
What "Cuttin' A Rug" Means
You don't need a pair of scissors or a knife for this term. All you'll need is the ability to move to the music. Cuttin' a rug means to dance.
"Let's go out tonight!" "What do you want to do?" "Duh, let's cut a rug!" That could be an example of how one might use this phrase in real life. If you see two people moving their feet in an applaudable manner then you might say to yourself, "wow, they're cuttin' a rug!"
The Meaning Behind "Whatever Floats Your Boat"
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you need to give your input, but you aren't too sure? Sure, you can shrug your way out of it, but you want to take the southern way out, we know what you can say.
One can always resort to using the slang term, whatever floats your boat. It's effective because it tells the receiving end that they can do whatever they wish and they don't need outside approval.
That's A Case Of The "Pot Calling The Kettle Black"
You don't ever want to be the person getting this phrase thrown at you. It just isn't right. Pot calling the kettle black is one guilty person accusing someone else of the same thing they're guilty of.
That isn't how you want to live your life. Perhaps as a joke, this would be fine, but if it's a legit accusation, then you should have kept your mouth on shut. Worry about yourself first before you go pointing fingers.