Those unfamiliar with the phrase “Fixin’ To and bless your heart” are likely not from the South. In this sunny region of the U.S., there exists a unique vocabulary that can leave outsiders feeling lost. However, fret not as we embark on a journey to explore and explain 21 phrases exclusively used by Southerners.
“Y’all”
“Y’all” is a contraction of “you all” and is a second-person plural pronoun used in Southern American English. It is a versatile word that can be used to address a group of people, to refer to a group of people, or to emphasize the inclusion of all group members.
“Fixin’ To”
The phrase “fixin’ to” is a common idiom in Southern American English that means “about to” or “preparing to do something.” It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various formal and informal contexts. For example, you might say, “I’m fixin’ to make a sandwich” or “The train is fixin’ to leave.” You could also use the phrase metaphorically, such as “I’m fixin’ to change my life.”
“Bless your Heart”
The phrase “bless your heart” is a Southern American idiom with multiple meanings depending on the context. It is often used to express sympathy, compassion, or understanding, but it can also be used sarcastically to express disapproval or condescension.
“Madder than a Wet Hen”
The phrase “madder than a wet hen” is an idiom used in Southern American English to describe someone furious. It is often used humorously or hyperbolically to emphasize the intensity of the person’s anger. The exact origin of the phrase is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in the 19th century. The phrase is an observation that hens tend to be agitated when they get wet.
“Pretty as a Peach”
The phrase “pretty as a peach” is an idiom used in Southern American English to describe someone very beautiful. It is often used in a complimentary way to express admiration for someone’s appearance. The phrase originated in the 19th century, likely based on the observation that peaches are a beautiful fruit.
“Y’all Come Back Now”
The phrase “y’all come back now” is a common way of saying goodbye in the South. It is a warm and inviting way to express the hope that you will see the person again soon.
“I Reckon”
The phrase “I reckon” is a typical Southern American idiom that means “I think” or “I believe.” It is often used casually or informally to express an opinion or belief. The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and the phrase is likely a shortening of the phrase “I reckon up.” The word “reckon” in this context means “to consider” or “to ponder.”
“Well, I Swanee”
The phrase “Well, I swanee” expresses surprise or disbelief in Southern American English. It is a mild and informal way of expressing surprise, similar to “Well, I never!” or “My goodness!” The exact origin of the phrase is still being determined, but it is thought to have originated in the early 20th century. There are a few theories about the origin of the phrase, but the most likely is that it is a corruption of the phrase “I shall warrant,” an old-fashioned way of saying “I guarantee” or “I’m sure.”
“Fixin’ to Go Down the Road”
The phrase “fixin’ to go down the road” is a Southern American idiom that means “going to the store” or “going out for a while.” It is a casual and informal way of expressing one’s intention to leave home for a short period of time.
“I Reckon It’s Time to Mosey On”
The phrase “I reckon it’s time to mosey on” is a Southern American idiom that means “I think it’s time to leave” or “I think it’s time to go.” It is a casual and informal way of expressing one’s intention to depart from a place or situation.
“Hold Your Horses”
The phrase “Hold your horses” is a common idiom used in Southern American English to mean “wait,” “slow down,” or “be patient.” It is often used to tell someone to calm down or think before acting.
“That’s a Whole Lot of Hooey”
The phrase “That’s a whole lot of hooey” is a Southern American idiom that means “That’s nonsense” or “That’s ridiculous.” It is a solid and emphatic way of expressing disbelief or disapproval. The exact origin of the phrase is still being determined, but it is thought to have originated in the early 20th century. The word “hooey” is believed to be a corruption of the word “hooray,” which is an exclamation of approval or praise.
“I’m Plumb Tuckered Out”
The phrase “I’m plumb tuckered out” is a Southern American idiom that means “I’m extremely tired” or “I’m exhausted.” It is a strong and emphatic way of expressing fatigue. The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and it is likely that the phrase is a combination of the words “plumb” (meaning “completely” or “entirely”) and “tuckered out” (meaning “worn out” or “exhausted”).
“Well, I Never!”
The phrase “Well, I never!” is a Southern American idiom that means “I am very surprised” or “I cannot believe that.” It is often used to express astonishment, disbelief, or disapproval. The exact origin of the phrase is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in the 19th century. The phrase is likely a combination of the words “well” (meaning “indeed” or “certainly”) and “never” (meaning “not ever” or “at no time”).
“That’s Purty Good”
The phrase “That’s purty good” is a Southern American idiom that means “That’s pretty good” or “That’s quite satisfactory.” It is a mild and informal way of expressing approval or praise. The exact origin of the phrase is still being determined, but it is thought to have originated in the early 20th century. The word “purty” is a Southern pronunciation of the word “pretty,” and the word “good” is simply a general term for approval.
“I’m Fixin’ to Get up a Sweat”
The phrase “I’m fixin’ to get up a sweat” is a Southern American idiom that means “I’m about to exercise” or “I’m about to work hard.” It is a casual and informal way of expressing one’s intention to engage in physical activity.
“I’m Fixin’ to Get Some Chow”
The phrase “I’m fixin’ to get some chow” is a Southern American idiom that means “I’m about to eat” or “I’m going to get something to eat.” It is a casual and informal way of expressing one’s intention to consume food. The word “chow” is a slang term for food, and it is believed to have originated in the military.
“That’s Mighty Fine of You.”
The phrase “That’s mighty fine of you” is a Southern American idiom that means “That is very kind of you” or “That is very generous of you.” It is a way of expressing gratitude for someone’s thoughtfulness or generosity.
“I’m Fixin’ to Go Down the Crick”
The phrase “I’m fixin’ to go down the crick” is a Southern American idiom that means “I’m going to the creek” or “I’m going to hang out by the creek.” It is a casual and informal way of expressing one’s intention to spend time at a nearby stream or river.
“It’s hot as all get-out today!”
When a Southerner says, “It’s hot as all get-out today!” they’re not just using a colorful expression. They’re using a regional dialectal term beyond the commonplace “very.” This phrase vividly conveys the intense heat and discomfort of a hot day, leaving no room for ambiguity. It’s a testament to the Southern flair for language and their ability to capture the essence of their experiences in a few well-chosen words.
Cattywampus
The word “cattywampus” is a Southern American dialectal term that means “askew,” “awry,” or “out of alignment.” It is often used to describe something that needs to be straight, level, or in the correct position. For example, you might say that a picture is hanging cattywampus on the wall or that a car’s wheels are cattywampus after hitting a pothole.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
