“A Mind To”
Visitors soon come to realize that the South has a phrase or saying for just about anything. “A mind to,” for example, is a phrase people use when they’re thinking about doing something. One might usually hear this preceding the actual plan they’ve been thinking about.
As an example, one might say, “I’ve a mind to head to Austin’s place later, but I’m not sure when.” In this sense, the phrase expresses whatever is currently on the mind that the person is still contemplating.
“All Get Out”
Another Southern phrase people likely have not heard is “all get out.” This expression means the most extreme example of something. It’s used to express an exaggeration of some kind, most commonly when someone is exasperated. It’s a phrase anyone can come to use daily.
For example, one could say that they’re “hungry as all get out” or “that meal was as good as all get out.” It’s a quick and easy way to describe something at its utmost maximum, be it negative or positive.
“Aren’t You Precious”
This phrase has fooled many an outsider. In other places, it might be seen as a compliment for something or someone cute. But in the South, it’s more likely to be used sarcastically as a veiled insult.
The South is nothing if not polite, and their insults are the same in that regard. “Aren’t you precious” is typically used in response to someone being offensive or stupid. Did someone throw an insult at a friend? Well, aren’t they precious?
“Barking Up the Wrong Tree”
This old saying is one coastal people have heard before, but it actually originates in the South. There are two ways people can use this phrase. It’s either being used as a warning, telling someone to back off, or for when someone is mistaken.
Most of the time, it’s used to let someone know that they shouldn’t take this fight because it won’t end pretty for them. However, it’s still common to hear it used when someone assumes something and is terribly wrong.
“Can’t Never Could”
Southerners love making use of double modals, and “can’t never could” is an excellent example of their distinct dialect. It’s a phrase that’s become a sort of daily mantra for many. At its simplest, it’s a way to describe looking at things more positively.
In essence, if one thinks they can never accomplish something, then they never actually win. To succeed, one has to be positive and at least try because they could surprise themselves. It’s a great example of the positive thinking of the Southern lifestyle.
“Dog Won’t Hunt”
It doesn’t take a hunter to explain what this phrase means. A hunter without a dog won’t be able to accomplish much, so it’s easy to imagine the metaphor here. “Dog won’t hunt” is the Southern way of saying “that won’t work.”
It’s more often used as a response to someone who has an idea that likely won’t pan out. Sometimes it’s also used as a warning for people who are lazy or don’t want to do something. It’s as if to say, “That excuse won’t fly.”
“Fixin To”
There are few phrases more Southern than “fixin’ to.” This phrase is the sibling to “a mind to,” because when someone is “fixin’ to,” they’re ready to do something soon. They could be fixin’ to go to the store, a walk, or get a drink.
Keep in mind that there’s no real given time estimate in this case. “Soon” is relative in this context. Southerners often might use it sarcastically, especially if someone tells them to do something they were already fixin’ to do.
“Full as a Tick”
Part of Southern culture is homestyle cooking. The heavy, hearty meals are delicious, and it’s easy to eat too much, and that’s when this phrase comes in. To be “full as a tick” is to have eaten one’s fill and then some.
The phrase, of course, comes from the ticks often found in the South. After they’ve had their fill of their choice of meal, they often balloon up. It’s not the most appetizing visual, but it’s the accuracy here that counts.
“God Don’t Like Ugly”
This is the natural evolution of a previous phrase. If “being ugly” means that someone has an attitude that needs to change, “God don’t like ugly” is how one reminds them of it. It’s a polite way to remind someone that the way they’re behaving isn’t appreciated.
This is also another example of the more positive way of thinking in Southern culture. Don’t be mean for no reason, and stay away from negativity. If one isn’t ugly and focuses on the good, they’ll be happier for it.
“Gumption”
“Gumption” is another word that originates in the South and has made its way well beyond the borders. It refers to something someone has, describing an aspect of their personality. If someone is described as having gumption, they’re typically seen as bold and resourceful.
It’s good to have gumption and to be recognized for it. Gumption is used entirely as a compliment, as it refers to the type of confidence that’s smart and admired. People who act with bravado are instead told “bless your heart” a bit more often.
The South has a unique and rich culture known for its homestyle cooking, strong family ties, and dialect that leaves others scratching their heads. People from the coasts might have a hard time figuring out what folks from the South are saying sometimes. Here’s a handy guide to some of the common phrases one might run into when visiting.