50+ Frequent Southern Accent Phrases and Sayings
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In several components of the US, American English can change dramatically in each accent and vocabulary.
Southern American English specifically has its personal set of phrases and sayings that you just most likely received’t hear elsewhere.
It’s very useful for English learners to have the ability to perceive English irrespective of the place it comes from, although. That’s why I’ve created this information to phrases and phrases from the American South (that’s the place I’m from!).
Hold studying for 50+ Southern phrases, what precisely the South is and examples of the Southern American accent!
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1. Y’all
Y’all is an abbreviation for “you all” and is a trademark (distinct frequent function) of Southern speech.
The way in which Individuals say “you” within the plural is an enormous indication of the place they arrive from, with Northerners sometimes saying “you guys” and Southerners sticking with y’all.
Are y’all coming to dinner Friday evening?
2. Match as a fiddle
It could appear foolish to check somebody who’s match (in good bodily form) to a fiddle (an instrument), however this can be a frequent saying.
He can run a mile in 4 minutes. He’s match as a fiddle!
3. Oh, rats!
That is primarily a pleasant strategy to say, “Oh, darn!”
I misplaced my homework! Oh, rats!
4. Reduce the lights on/off
For grammar nerds, this can be a large pet peeve (annoyance), since commonplace English can be “Flip the lights on/off.”
In any case, you possibly can’t bodily take scissors and minimize a light-weight change on or off. Nonetheless, this phrase is utilized by a variety of folks within the South.
Are you able to please minimize the lights off? I’m making an attempt to sleep.
5. Bless your coronary heart
Bless your coronary heart is among the most steadily used Southern phrases. It’s primarily the equal of “Oh, you poor factor.” It’s used to indicate pity.
You needed to stroll all the best way house by your self? Bless your coronary heart.
6. You may catch extra flies with honey than vinegar
It is a metaphor which means you can win folks over by being candy and flattering them, moderately than by being confrontational (hostile or aggressive).
If the politician actually desires to win, she ought to do not forget that you possibly can catch extra flies with honey than vinegar.
7. Ma’am/Sir
You most likely perceive that ma’am (brief for madam) and sir are well mannered methods to deal with different adults.
These titles aren’t used a lot in the remainder of the US these days, however Southerners nonetheless use them so much.
Sure, ma’am, I’ll do my chores.
8. Mama, Daddy, Pappy, Grandpappy
Mama is one other phrase for mother, and daddy and pappy are each used instead of “dad.” Grandpappy is one other strategy to say “grandfather.”
Mama, Pappy and Grandpappy are sometimes solely used within the South. Most American youngsters use the phrase daddy once they’re younger and drop it once they become old. As for us Southerners, we proceed to name our dad and mom mama and daddy irrespective of how previous we’re!
Mama, will Daddy be coming with us to Grandpappy‘s home?
9. That’s the pits!
It is a phrase that merely means “That stinks!” Use it when one thing disagreeable occurs.
You failed your math take a look at? That’s the pits!
10. I’m fixin’ to
Southerners use this phrase as a substitute of the usual “I’m going to” once they’re about to do one thing.
I’m fixin’ to take a bathe.
11. It’s blowing up a storm!
Because of this the wind is getting very sturdy and a storm is on its approach.
Look outdoors. It’s blowing up a storm!
12. Over yonder
Over yonder is used instead of “over there.”
The espresso beans are on the shelf over yonder.
13. The spittin’ picture of
The spittin’ (spitting) picture of signifies that somebody seems to be precisely like another person.
You might be the spittin’ picture of my sister!
14. Fairly as a (Georgia) peach
It is a steadily used simile (comparability) to provide somebody a pleasant praise by telling them that they’re very fairly.
You may both embrace “Georgia” (a state well-known for its scrumptious peaches) or just say “fairly as a peach.”
Your daughter is as fairly as a peach.
15. Chillins
That is slang for youngsters.
Are you aware if the chillins went to sleep?
16. God/Lord willin’ and the Creek don’t rise
This phrase is used to imply that you just’ve accomplished all you possibly can, and the remaining isn’t as much as you.
My entire life, I assumed that creek was being utilized in the usual approach, to imply “a small stream of water.” On this context, the creek don’t rise can be a slang approach of claiming “the creek doesn’t flood.”
Nevertheless, my grandma just lately defined to me that creek is capitalized, and the saying refers back to the Creek Indian tribe. After doing a little analysis, it seems that folks debate which reply is right! Both approach, the which means is similar.
Are you coming to the get together on Saturday?
Lord willin’ and the Creek don’t rise.
17. Somethin’ terrible
Somethin’ (one thing) terrible is used to emphasise what you’re saying. So on this instance, he actually desires the sneakers:
He desires these new sneakers somethin’ terrible.
18. I reckon
It is a strategy to say “I believe.”
I reckon it’s going to rain tonight.
19. As soon as in a blue moon
Right here’s a phrase that’s used to indicate that one thing doesn’t occur fairly often.
An opportunity to be on TV solely comes as soon as in a blue moon.
20. Heavens to Betsy!
It is a very Southern strategy to say “Oh my gosh!” You utilize it once you’re shocked by one thing.
Do you know Tammy broke up with Fred?
Heavens to Betsy!
21. Until the cows come house
Until the cows come house signifies that one thing is indefinite (won’t ever finish).
You may cry until the cows come house, however we’re not going to get ice cream.
22. Darlin’
Darlin’ (darling) is a time period of endearment like honey or sweetie.
Are you able to go me the water pitcher, darlin’?
23. Coke/Soda
There has at all times been a type of innocent conflict between soda (stated within the South and the Northeast) and pop (stated within the Midwest). They’re two alternative ways of referring to a carbonated drink like Sprite or Pepsi.
Within the South, it’s much more frequent to easily ask for a Coke, even if you happen to don’t desire a Coca-Cola (the model drink). We merely use Coke to discuss with all sorts of sodas. In the event you’re taken with studying extra about this, try this Huffington Submit article.
I’ll have a Coke with my dinner.
24. Britches
Britches refers to pants and comes from the extra correct time period “breeches.”
Pull up your britches!
25. Goin’ to hell in a handbasket
It is a colourful saying used when one thing is headed for catastrophe.
We don’t have decorations, meals or invites for the get together, and it’s subsequent week. The entire thing is goin’ to hell in a handbasket.
26. Hush your mouth
That is one other strategy to inform somebody to be quiet.
You higher hush your mouth!
27. Full as a tick
Right here’s a terrific simile to specific once you’re actually stuffed (had sufficient meals) after a meal.
I don’t need anymore. I’m full as a tick.
28. Maintain your horses
Maintain your horses is a strategy to inform somebody to be affected person or wait.
Maintain your horses. It is going to be your flip subsequent.
29. It doesn’t matter a hill of beans
This simply signifies that it actually doesn’t matter, though I’m unsure the place the humorous “hill of beans” half comes from!
Your opinion doesn’t matter a hill of beans.
30. Simply high-quality and dandy
This phrase signifies that every part is sweet.
I’m simply high-quality and dandy.
31. Raisin’ Cain
In the event you’re raisin’ (elevating) Cain, you’re moving into bother. Cain refers back to the world’s first assassin referenced within the Bible.
Your son is on the market raisin’ Cain once more.
32. Three sheets to the wind
It is a moderately humorous saying that’s used when somebody is drunk.
He’s already three sheets to the wind and it’s solely 6 p.m.!
33. Dag nabbit/Dagnabit
That is one other strategy to say “darn.”
Dagnabit! I misplaced my pockets once more!
34. Younger’uns
This stands for “younger ones” and is used to discuss with youngsters.
There are such a lot of younger’uns right here.
35. Howdy
It is a Southern strategy to say whats up.
Howdy! How are you right now?
36. A thoughts to
Southerners use “a thoughts to” once they’re contemplating (or generally threatening) one thing.
I’ve a thoughts to take away your cellphone for per week.
37. Varmint
Varmint is a Southern approach of claiming vermin (small wild animals or bugs that carry illness and are an issue for farms). Varmint contains rats, cockroaches, flies, and so forth.
We now have to do one thing concerning the varmint within the barn.
38. Ain’t
That is slang for “shouldn’t be,” “am not” and “should not.”
There ain’t any milk within the fridge.
39. Don’t let the display door hit you on the best way out
This phrase is used to indicate that you just both don’t care if somebody leaves otherwise you need them to depart instantly. It’s a detrimental phrase to make use of if you happen to’re irritated or offended at your visitor.
You’re terrible. I’m leaving!
Don’t let the display door hit you on the best way out!
40. Hisself
That is slang for “himself.”
He actually harm hisself.
41. Lemme
That is slang for “let me.”
Lemme inform you what occurred final week!
42. Madder than a moist hen
Right here’s one other colourful saying to indicate that somebody was extraordinarily mad.
After I beat her at chess, she was madder than a moist hen.
43. Ain’t value a lick
Ain’t value a lick signifies that somebody or one thing isn’t value something. In different phrases, they haven’t any worth.
Your opinion ain’t value a lick.
44. Worn slap out
This phrase signifies that you’re actually drained.
After an extended day of labor, I’m worn slap out.
45. Actual good
This simply means “superb.”
Be sure you wash the automotive actual good.
46. Hotcakes/Flapjacks on the griddle
Hotcakes or flapjacks refers to pancakes. A griddle is a flat cooking floor.
I’ve made flapjacks on the griddle for breakfast.
47. Magnificence is barely pores and skin deep
This saying signifies that one’s outward look has nothing to do with their persona. In different phrases, you might be fairly on the skin, however you continue to may be a imply individual.
Take into account that magnificence is barely pores and skin deep.
48. Misplaced your marbles
If somebody has misplaced their marbles, they’re out of their thoughts (going loopy).
Have you ever misplaced your marbles? You understand we will’t afford that new automotive!
49. I don’t know what all
It is a phrase you possibly can put on the finish of nearly any sentence, and it simply means “I don’t know what else.”
They’d hotdogs, hamburgers, ice cream and I don’t know what all.
50. Ugly
Everybody makes use of ugly to imply, “the other of fairly/lovely.” However Southerners additionally use this phrase instead of imply (not good).
You might be appearing so ugly proper now!
What Is the American South?
Typically, the South is outlined because the area that runs from Virginia all the way down to Florida and out to Texas.
Take a look at this map of the South from Enterprise Insider to see precisely what I’m speaking about. You’ll uncover that the South is definitely an enormous a part of the US!
The second factor it’s best to know is that as a result of the South is so huge, the tradition and accent change relying on which a part of the South you’re in. For instance, folks from Texas don’t sound the identical as folks from Georgia.
There are a lot of names and methods to discuss with the South. It might probably generally be referred to as Dixie or Dixieland, which got here from the state Louisiana that used to belong to France. Their 10-dollar payments used to have the French phrase dix (ten) on them, thus the nickname.
One other frequent phrase you’ll hear is the Bible Belt, used as a result of lots of the Southern states have a big Christian inhabitants.
You would possibly hear “south of the Mason-Dixon line” as effectively, a reference to the previous boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania, which separated opposing sides throughout the US Civil Conflict.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to know that right now’s Southern states aren’t essentially the states that fought for the Confederacy (the South) throughout America’s Civil Conflict. For instance, West Virginia (thought-about a Southern state right now) was truly a part of the Union (the North) throughout the conflict.
Lastly, the South is way more than a geographical area.
The South has a novel tradition that’s made up of particular music (like bluegrass and nation), sports activities (we’re large baseball followers), religions (just like the Baptist and Methodist Church buildings) and meals (like shrimp gumbo, candy tea, fried okra, collard greens and grits).
How Do Southern Accents Sound?
As I’ve already talked about, each Southern state is completely different, and so there are numerous completely different accents on this area.
In the event you’re an superior English learner, you would possibly be capable of hear a few of the variations.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of key traits of most Southern accents.
The primary is that phrase stress can change in comparison with what you’d hear elsewhere within the US.
For instance, most Individuals will stress the second half of the next phrases:
Lodge: /ho TEL/
Guitar: /gui TAR/
Police: /po LICE/
However, many Southerners stress the primary half of those phrases as a substitute:
Lodge: /HO tel/
Guitar: /GUI tar/
Police: /PO lice/
The second huge distinction in Southern American English is what’s often known as “the Southern drawl.” Primarily, this implies slower speech and elongated vowels (additionally recognized linguistically as diphthongized vowels).
For the aim of understanding, I’m going to be utilizing the Worldwide Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to indicate pronunciation. You may study concerning the IPA, a system used to symbolize alphabetic sounds, by referring to this chart.
For instance, usually the phrase egg is pronounced as [eg], however Southerners pronounce it [ai:g].
The third major identifier of a Southern accent is dropping the ultimate [ŋ] sound of a phrase that ends within the letters “ing.”
For instance, Southerners will shorten the next phrases:
Getting — gettin’
Swinging — swingin’
Fixing — fixin’
Lastly, Southerners have merged the [I] and [ɛ] vowel sounds in order that phrases akin to “get” [gɛt] sound like “git” [gIt].
The place Can You Take heed to Southern American English?
In the event you can’t make a journey to the South, you possibly can nonetheless apply listening to Southern accents at house.
There are tons of iconic English films that happen within the South. A few of my favorites are “Forrest Gump,” “The Assist,” “Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes,” “The Sound and the Fury” and “Metal Magnolias.”
These movies will assist you with the Southern accent and introduce you to Southern tradition and landscapes on the similar time.
In the event you’re in search of English TV exhibits set within the South, strive the traditional sequence “Dallas,” set in Texas. In the event you like the unique, there was additionally a new model that aired in 2012.
Or, try the well-known sequence “The Andy Griffith Present” from the Nineteen Sixties. In the event you get pleasure from it, the starring actor and major character, Andy Griffith, additionally has a implausible monologue referred to as “What It Was, Was Soccer” that’s hilarious.
For these trying to hearken to Southern English and study typical meals from the South, Southern cook dinner Paula Deen’s YouTube channel is ideal.
Listening to bluegrass and nation music is one other wonderful strategy to study Southern American English. I like to recommend the next classics to get you began:
In order for you some language studying help whereas listening to Southern American accents (or some other English accents!), you possibly can strive utilizing FluentU. This immersion program makes use of genuine (actual) English movies to assist educate you the language.
You may hover over a phrase within the captions to see a fast, in-context definition. In the event you click on on the phrase, you’ll get extra data, like instance sentences, audio pronunciation and extra.
FluentU’s search function might help you discover movies containing particular phrases and phrases. That approach, yow will discover clips to hearken to sure Southern American phrases, or the rest you wish to apply. FluentU can be utilized on the net or as an app (iOS and Android).
Although I might write concerning the South until the cows come house, these new phrases and phrases in English needs to be sufficient to get y’all prepared for listening to some good ol’ (previous) Southern American English!
Obtain:
This weblog submit is out there as a handy and transportable PDF that you just
can take wherever.
Click on right here to get a replica. (Obtain)
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