Top Ten 'Deep South' Sayings There's so much that makes an area of the country unique -- the food, the way that the trees and houses look, and certainly, the way that people talk (think the heavy accent of New York City natives and the soft, soothing drawl of Southerners).
Like travel writer Julia Sullivan in Dancing Naked in Dixie (and anyone 'new' to life in the Deep South) there's a lot to learn about the history, culture, and customs. If you visit anyone below the Mason Dixon Line, here are ten of the Top Southern Sayings --and loose translations-- guaranteed to bring you a chuckle!
1. Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers (Frantic or very nervous and jumpy)
2. Didn't just fall off a turnip truck (I know exactly what is going on, I know what you are talking about, You can't fool me!)
3. Full of piss and vinegar (That child has very bad behavior)
4. Not the sharpest tool in the shed/brightest lightbulb in the box/sharpest tool in the drawer (Not very smart)
5. Bless your heart/Bless his heart (Usually an expression of empathy or sympathy, often used when discussing someone who has had bad luck or has made a bad choice)
6. Mad as a wet hen/Mad as a hornet (Really angry!)
7. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off (Frantic, Rushing around)
8. Lord (Lawd) have mercy (A phrase used in surprise or shock)
9. She's so pretty (She's so stupid)
10. She looks like a painted city woman (A nice way of saying that a woman looks like a prostitute)
You'll find plenty of fun Southern phrases and eclectic sayings in 'Dancing Naked in Dixie.' Which are your favorites? Any I should have included?
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About Dancing Naked in Dixie
Paperback, 280 pages
Published May 21st 2012 by Monterey Press
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.
With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.
Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
Thanks Amanda for featuring Dancing Naked in Dixie - I'm hoping that you find DIXIE a fun little summer read perfect for the beach!
ReplyDeleteMy best friend Ashleigh helped me come up with the list of sayings ... we had about 30 by the time we were done brainstorming! FUN :)
All the best, Lauren
Ha ha I love this, Lauren! I think one of my fave Southern sayings is, "No flies on you," meaning the person is very active, full of energy, and clever.
ReplyDeleteOoo, that's a new one for me! Adding it to the list :)
DeleteThanks Tracie!! xx, Lauren
Loved the list. Now I know where I picked up many of my favorite expressions. Although I'm a native New Yorker, I was raised mainly in the South.
ReplyDeleteThanks PJ .... we had about two dozen more, some that could NOT be included on a website LOL
Delete:) Me, too, BTW -- upstate, though, near Rochester. My parents and brothers are still there.
xx, Lauren