Southern Words and Phrases

I grew up in the South, and I know there are many Southern words and phrases that some people just won't understand.  Mainly if they ain't from 'round here, ya know?

Growing up, I had a THICK Southern accent.  All it takes is watching a minute or two of old home videos to figure that out.  After I moved away from home, I feel like I lost a little bit of my accent.  In college, I was surrounded by people from all over the place. So, I guess I just picked up a more neutral accent.

That's not to say that my Southern accent doesn't come out-- especially with certain words or phrases! I had a boyfriend when I was in college who always told me that my accent definitely came out when I went back home to see my family.  I didn't think it was THAT bad.  But, honestly, there's nothin' wrong with a good old Southern accent.

Yesterday, I stumbled across a TikTok of a woman, and her husband was asking her about a particular word she'd used.  Apparently, she'd used the word on her Instagram story, and had quite a few messages about it.  You can see that video below!  But it also got me to thinkin' (that's a bit Southern, don't you think?)... I thought about a lot of other words and phrases we use and started searching for more relatable videos on TikTok.

Below, I've listed some of my favorites!  I know there are probably SO many more, and some I won't share -- trying to keep this PG!

This is the video that got me started on Southern words and phrases.  She is adamant about it being "hammydowns."  My favorite is when she says, "You don't say, 'Hand-Me-Downs!'" And... I kind of agree with her on this one!

Definitely have heard this one before!  You didn't happen to bring ___ widjadidja?

These are all words I've heard my entire life... and still use a few of them myself.  Especially "fixin'." And of course, Sam Hunt knows all about "kinfolks!"

I can't quite decide which of these are my favorites!  It might just be "Goodness gracious alive!"

If this isn't the truth!  And she even adds in the classic "Bless her heart" at the end!

Yep, I'm probably guilty of this one a time or two...

Surely you know what "to waller" means, right?

This is one I have always heard.  It's so funny if I ever say it around someone who has never heard it.

I can't decide which of these is my favorite either!  I know "Ill as a hornet," was a phrase I heard a lot growing up, and I haven't heard it in a long time.  Also, "Hold your horses!" And the "Come to Jesus meetin'" is a good one too!

Tee Gentry has called me out on using this phrase a good bit... so much so, he even bought me a sticker that says it: