If you were raised in the South, you're more than familiar with these phrases.
While at college, I noticed there is a huge language divide between Southerners and Northerners because of slang differences. I have learned many Northern phrases like "that's wicked!" and many others. Not only did I learn new phrases, but they also learned slang by coming to a Southern school. Here are just a few Southern words and phrases that some Northerners still don't understand!
1. Well bless your heart
The phrase "bless your heart" may sound sweet, but it really is used when Southerners are speaking poorly or taking pity on someone. In other words, it is a nicer way of saying "you're such an idiot" without hurting someone's feelings.
2. Saying y'all instead of you guys
The most famous word of the South. It is an easier and faster way of saying you all or you guys, which is funny because apparently we talk slow right??
3. I got the short end of the stick
This phrase means that you got the bad end of the deal.
4. Calling a shopping cart at Walmart a buggy
I've had a number of my Northern friends correct me anytime I call a cart a buggy while grocery shopping.
5. You're dumber than a box of rocks
Similar to the phrase bless your heart, this is another way of calling someone dumb or an idiot in a more blunt way.
6. They're just too cha-cha for words
As said by Truvy in "Steel Magnolias", saying something is too cha-cha for words is another way for describing something you like or think is cute.
7. Cattywampus
This word is used when describing something that isn't straight or is out of sorts. Such as saying a picture frame is cattywampus.
8. You're getting too big for your britches
Is a way of saying that someone has a large ego or is overconfident. This is similar to the phrase "don't let your ego get too big for your head".
9. You're letting the bought air out
This is a phrase I heard repeatedly from my parents while growing up. Every time I would leave a door open I would get told I was letting the bought air out and had to either stay inside or outside. I'd also get told this while leaving the fridge door open too long. This saying means not to waste electricity by letting all the cold air out. Don't be surprised if your parents follow this phrase by asking if you were raised in a barn.
These are just a few of the many Southern words and phrases I grew up hearing. They may sound foreign and might lead to laughs from my Northern friends, but you can't say they don't keep conversations interesting. And, hey, you chose to come to a Southern school so get used to hearing "y'alls" and "yes ma'ams" or "yes sirs" in every other sentence.
