The Ultimate Dictionary Of Southern Words & Phrases | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Dictionary Of Southern Words & Phrases

Yes, we do say these things.

16354
The Ultimate Dictionary Of Southern Words & Phrases
Emory Maiden / Flickr

Being from the South myself, I realize that we have a completely different language of words rather than the North. It truly is a complete major change in culture. If I could only count the times I've been made fun of for my accent or things I say... And because so many people ask, I am here to give you a list of common Southern phrases and words with the meaning behind them.

1. Y'all

Yes, we use this word. All the time, actually. If two or more people are near, we use this word to address the group. For example, "How are y'all?" Whereas in the North, you may find "you guys" being used instead.

2. Buggy

This one is actually pretty funny. I've heard the debate multiple times, but in the South, we call a "shopping cart" a buggy.

3. Commode

This would be a toilet.

4. Fixin' to

This would indicate that someone is about to do something.

5. Yes/No ma'am & Yes/No sir

I mean, this one's pretty much a given for the South, but we do address anyone older than us like this.

6. Hold Your Horses

Yep, this is a real phrase. It's basically the equivalent of, "Slow down!" or "Stop right there!"

7. "Liberry"

This one makes me laugh because it's really not a word but a mispronunciation of a word. Instead of saying "library," I ALWAYS hear people say liberry. It's quite funny.

8. "I'm as full as a tick."

This means that you are as full as can be and cannot eat anymore, like a tick on a body. (I know, this one is weird.)

9. Too big for your britches

Basically, you are very arrogant.

10. Playing Possum

Just like a possum pretends like it's dead, when someone is faking an illness or that they're asleep, they are "playing possum."

11. "Quit your bellyaching"

You may have heard this from your Mom once or twice, but it means, "Quit complaining!"

12. "You need to go sit on the pot."

LOL! Okay, I have to explain this one. If you lived in the South, I guarantee you heard this way more than once. Every mom is a nurse to their children, but it always seems like the Southern moms had the perfect solution to everything: "You need to go sit on the pot."

In the words of Tim Hawkins,

"Hey, mom, my stomach is kind of hurting."

"Well, honey, you need to go sit on the pot. I'm telling you it will do you wonders if you will just go sit on the pot."

"I mean, it was her solution to everything! I could be like, 'Hey, mom, I think I broke my arm.'"

"Well, baby, you need to go sit on the pot. Have you tried that? I'm telling you it will do you wonders. It's ancient wisdom that only I can attain."

13. "Come hug my neck!"

This can probably be heard from your grandma, but it just means that she wants you to get over there and hug her already!

14. Lollygagging

If you are lollygagging, this means that you are spending your time pointlessly.

15. Two peas in a pod

It just means that you go hand-in-hand with someone; you are their BEST friend.

16. Ain't

It actually doesn't have a formal contraction. It has several different forms of use, but it can be heard quite often.

"I ain't doing that." (I am not doing that).

"That ain't my job!" (That is not my job).

"You ain't the guy that works here?!" (You are not the guy that works here)?!

17. Reckon

It kind of replaces the word "guess." Instead of saying, "I guess I can do that.", you would say, "I reckon I can do that."

18. Thingamabob/doohickey/ thingamajig

If you hear ANY of these words, do not be alarmed. They are only used when one cannot remember what something is called.

19. "You get what you get, and you don't pitch a fit."

Meaning, you better be grateful for what you get. You ain't gone be having no fits in mama's house.

20. Yonder

A word to describe where something is placed no matter where it is located.

"It's over yonder!"

21. Coke

This is to refer to any carbonated drink. Yep, any drink.

Even though we have some extremely crazy phrases and words in the South, I wouldn't want it any other way. Hope y'all enjoyed it!

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1282
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16170
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3383
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments