I love talking about growing up in the South, especially when it comes to the funny sayings and phrases I'd hear from family members and folks around town.
As you can see by the examples below, Southern residents really, really like to get creative when describing something going on in their day-to-day life!
Of course, I'm not just talking about throwing a "y'all" in the mix or taking someone down a peg with the deceptively backhanded "bless your heart." With lots of hilarious imagery (and plenty of farm animal comparisons), it's impossible to not find each and every one more delightful than the one before it.
Unfortunately, any time I attempt to utter these common phrases while hanging out up North, I tend to get some strange looks from my friends.
Take a look, and let us know in the comments if we missed any of your favorite funny Southern sayings.
And don't forget to SHARE with all your friends and family from the South!
[H/T: BBCAmerica, Susan Vello]
1. "My Eyeballs Are Floating"
Meaning: When you have to use the bathroom really, really bad.
You have to admit, this silly imagery definitely gets the point across!
2. "Slicker Than Snot On A Doorknob"
Meaning: A particularly slippery patch, or someone who is shady or "slick."
Believe it or not, this is one of the least disgusting ways Southerners describe slippery things.
3. "Madder Than A Wet Hen"
Meaning: Someone who is incredibly angry about a situation.
Trust me, you don't want to see how mad a hen gets when they're wet. It's not pretty.
4. "As Useful As A Trap Door In A Canoe"
Meaning: Not very useful in the least.
Another popular version of the same sentiment relates something being as useful as "a screen door on a submarine."
5. "All Hat And No Cattle"
Meaning: To be overly boastful about yourself without much to back it up.
I know more than a few people this clever saying could describe…
6. "That Dills My Pickle"
Meaning: Super happy and content.
Because what could be better than a yummy dill pickle?
7. "Windy As A Sack Full Of Farts"
Meaning: Someone who lies a lot, similar to calling someone a "windbag."
Luckily, the wind down south usually doesn't come with the same odor effect.
8. "Only Got One Oar In The Water"
Meaning: Someone who isn't very smart and always missing the point.
We all know at least one person who seems to always be going in circles.
9. "Well, Butter My Butt And Call Me A Biscuit"
Meaning: Expression used when really shocked by something.
Similar to "well slap me silly and call me Sally," these outbursts of excitement and surprise never fail to make me giggle.
10. "Off Like A Herd Of Turtles"
Meaning: Running late and moving slowly.
I heard this a lot while trying to get out the door for family trips back in the day.
11. "More Nervous Than A Cat In A Room Full of Rocking Chairs"
Meaning: Exceptionally nervous.
Just think about all those tails accidentally winding up the victim of the cozy chairs.
12. "Never Kick A Cow Turd On A Hot Day"
Meaning: Don't go asking for trouble.
President Harry S. Truman is responsible for this hilariously colorful warning.
13. "Don't Know Whether To Scratch Their Watch Or Wind Their Butt"
Meaning: Incredibly confused.
The phrase is a little confusing itself, which only makes the point further.
14. "Tougher Than A $2 Steak"
Meaning: Something or someone that is very difficult.
It's going to take a lot of chewing to get through a problem that fits that description.
Did we miss your favorite Southern saying? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
