Do You Know these Southernisms?

I just love a good Southern sayin’! There is no denying that we know how to turn a phrase. Even though I was born and raised in the South, there are still Southernisms that catch me by surprise every now and again.

Sometimes our colloquialisms are down right poetic. Every so often they are next to gibberish. On occasion, these expressions are carefully veiled insults, and at times the crude nature of our verbal tongue twisters make me want to cringe. While more often then not we impose on some poor toad, hen, pig, or other innocent animal to get our point across!

Here are a few Southernisms that just tickle me pink:

Southernisms-tickled-pink

Tickled Pink

To be extremely pleased or delighted by something.

It’s coming a toad strangler out there.

This describes a particularly heavy rain fall.

God’s Acre

Endless or boundless. So you might hear, “Grandpa planted God’s acre of peaches.”

Southernisms-god's-acre

We went over Hell and half of Georgia.

Everywhere. A phrase usually meant to express exasperation at having looked for something or someone to no avail.

Grinnin’ like a mule eatin’ briars

To grin ear to ear with a self-satisfied air.

Southernisms-grinning-like-mule-eating-briars

She has gumption.

This describes a woman who has spirit, wit, ingenuity, and bravery. That’s one amazing combination!

Southernism: She has gumption in spades.

What is your favorite Southernism? Can you pick just one?

5 Comments

  1. vicky on September 30, 2016 at 11:44 am

    “Beans and apple butter.” My little girl attempt at being frustrated and keeping it clean.

    • Katherine on October 1, 2016 at 9:11 am

      Ha ha ha…Love it!

  2. Marta on October 21, 2016 at 3:55 am

    Bless your heart…?

    • Katherine on October 24, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Yes, that is a classic and one with dual meaning!

  3. […] mothers this weekend and all their judicious wisdom! Chances are you’ve heard these Southernisms from your mothers and grandmothers, if not out of your own […]

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