15 Phrases Common in the South But Not Elsewhere

Different regions have a combination of various cultural and historical values, which lead to distinctive language and word choices to express certain feelings. The South is one example. It is often said to have a translator by your side while visiting the South so you can understand their conversation. Here are some of the phrases that are exclusive to the South. 

 1. Bless Your Heart

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

A common phrase that you might have heard before Bless Your Heart is used now and then by people to express their true feelings with a slight nod to convey their sweetness towards you, but there is another side to it as it is known that South will sugar coat their sarcasm and can use it to poke you for something foolish. 

2. Worn Slap Out

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

If you want to describe someone as exhausted to the dead end, then an accurate phrase would be Worn Slap Out. This clause is more frequently used in hot seasons, as summer in the south is harsh, which leaves you tired, exhausted, and beaten till the end. 

3. Over Yonder

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

If you ask someone from the south about a place and they say it's Over Yonder, then it's a sign to have more fuel ready as that place is far distant. Over yonder is a term Southern uses to explain any direction distant from the present place. It could be east, south, or any location. 

4. Till the Cows Come Home

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock.

Cows are known for their slowness; once they enter the field, they roam around and take forever to return. Their nature is depicted in these words and used to explain someone doing something languid or work that will take forever.

5. Carry Me To

Happy couple in car.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

This one might perplex someone if they have been to the South for the first time. Carry Me To would need clarification as to why anybody would be so generous to carry them to their destination, but the reality is different and similar. The term is not taken literally; it points out that someone would take you to your destination by their transport.

6. Hill of Beans

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

It is a fancy phrase to describe something that is not worth enough of your time and energy. The expression is associated as a measurement unit of something's value. It could be used instead of saying It is not worth the Penny.

7. Ain't Got the Sense God Gave a Billy Goat

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

 People sometimes use these words with the wrong meaning, or most unfamiliar with them won't even know the link between Billy's goat and them. In context, it is an intricate idiom to describe someone who might lack common sense or do something weird. 

8. Fixin To

Smiling young woman using phone.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

There is something sweet about southern phrases that even insults or strong motivation sound sweet, a description of which is the word Fixin To. A person uses the term to tell someone that they intend to get something done, and it may take a long time to get done with it. 

9. Pretty as a Peach

Happy Woman Waving at Camera
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Parts of the South, such as Georgia and South Carolina, are known for producing large amounts of peaches and are perfect. If you get such a compliment in the South, you are pretty, as this is a high compliment in the South to describe someone's beauty. 

10. Heavens to Betsy

Shocked woman looking at a laptop.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In routine practice, it is said oh my god, you scared me, but in the South, they say Heaven to Betsy. The origin of Betsy is unknown, but the term is uttered by someone who got scared or starlet by something they heard or happened to them. 

11. Slower Than Molasses

Man Napping on Couch
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

If someone taunts you with a time clause, know that you are in an embarrassing situation because the person saying you are losing his cool thinks you are lazy. Southerners use the term as an insult tactic to let people know that they have had enough of their laziness. 

Ready to make your first budget?

Enter your email and get the free template


12. Madder Than a Wet Hen

Woman Annoyed by Man
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

When you encounter someone who says to stay away from someone who is Madder Than a Wet Hen, you should listen to their advice. It's a Southern expression for someone mad at the moment, and you should better stay away from the situation.

13. Hush Up

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

If someone tells you to shut up, it immensely hurts your feelings. Southern reckons this sentiment and repeatedly uses the softer version of Shut Up to tell someone to be quiet. You will find many mothers whispering to their kids to hush up if they are too noisy. 

14. More Than Carter Has Pills

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

When you ask your southern friend how much the exam syllabus is and they say it is more than Carter has pills, know that you are in great trouble.  The Southern term is something that people use to indicate anything in massive amounts. The clause is derived from Carter's Little Liver Pills, which were too many to remember.

15. You Can't Make a Silk Purse Out of a Sow's Ear

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

You Can't Make A Silk Purse Out Of A Sow's Ear will get you thinking about the purse being discussed here, but it's not about the purse. People of the South use the phrase to guide someone about something that is not good enough to start with if there are no worthwhile results.

“Normal For Boomers In The 80s And Taboo Today” 10 Unacceptable Things Boomers Did That Would Never Happen Now

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

The society in which you live today has some specific norms. If you compare it to the Boomers' generation, you'll realize that you can't do everything that they did in their time. There are many things baby boomers enjoyed as a part of their childhood.

How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?

Get access to my FREE guide now.


Gen Z or Gen Alpha can't even imagine doing those things, as it is way unacceptable in this era. Here are a few things Baby Boomers got away with but is a common thing today:

“The South Isn’t Friendly” 12 Dangerous U.S. Cities You May Want To Move To Before Visiting, Don’t Make That Mistake

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Being a well-developed and reputed kingdom, the United States tends to attract many people to visit or migrate. This kingdom has many beautiful states and cities. Their charm attracts people all around the World. But along with these modernized and developed cities, some cities are notorious for their insecure environment. Living or moving to this city may indulge you in difficulties.

“She Supports Donald Trump?” 10 Surprising Stars Who Support The Former President

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

There are many stars who support the former president that will surprise you.

“Please, God, Don’t Order That” 10 Menu Items Fast Food Workers Dread Preparing

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock.

Fast food workers encounter a wide variety of customer requests and menu items every day, but there are certain orders that they simply dread making. These items can be particularly challenging or time-consuming to prepare, causing frustration among the employees.

“Thrilling From The First Episode” 10 TV Shows That Will Kill Boredom

Image Credit: BBC.

A pilot episode can make or break a series. Here are 10 iconic pilot episodes.

[mashshare]

How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?

Get access to my FREE guide now.