Southern Sayings: Exploring the Rich Linguistic Tradition of the American South

Bless your heart – A polite way of saying someone is being foolish or naive.

All hat, no cattle – Referring to someone who talks big but doesn’t back it up.

She’s as sweet as pecan pie – Describing someone who is kind and gentle.

You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear – Meaning it’s impossible to turn something low-quality into something high-quality.

I’m fixin’ to – South’s version of saying I’m about to or I’m getting ready to.

That dog won’t hunt – Something won’t work or be successful.

As cool as a cucumber – Describing someone who is calm and composed.

Ugly as sin – Describing something or someone extremely unattractive.

Finer than frog hair split four ways – Describing something or someone extremely fine or exceptional.

I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church – Expressing extreme heat or discomfort.

You ain’t no kin to me – Meaning you are no relation or not close at all.

He couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel – Describing someone as being completely incompetent.

She’s two sandwiches short of a picnic – Meaning someone is not very intelligent or mentally unstable.

He’s as stubborn as a mule – Describing someone who is incredibly stubborn.

Slower than molasses in January – Describing something or someone very slow.

He’s been rode hard and put up wet – Describing someone who looks tired or worn out.

Crazy as a runover dog – Describing someone who is mentally unstable or very strange.

Tighter than a bull’s ass in fly season – Describing someone who is very stingy or unwilling to spend money.

It’s hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch – Expressing extreme heat or discomfort.

She’s a peach – Describing someone who is very kind and beautiful.

Madder than a wet hen – Describing someone who is extremely angry or upset.

She could start an argument in an empty house – Describing someone who loves to argue or cause trouble.

It’s raining cats and dogs – Expressing heavy rain.

He’s as happy as a clam at high tide – Describing someone who is very content and happy.

You’re slicker than a peeled onion – Describing someone who is very cunning or deceitful.

I’m as pleased as punch – Expressing extreme happiness or satisfaction.

He’s got more money than Carter’s got little liver pills – Describing someone who is very wealthy.

She’s got more curves than a country road – Describing someone who has a very shapely figure.

He’s a few cards short of a full deck – Meaning someone is not very intelligent or mentally unstable.

She’s the cat’s pajamas – Describing someone who is very stylish or impressive.

He’s slick as a whistle – Describing someone who is very clever or quick-witted.

He’s drunk as Cooter Brown – Describing someone who is very intoxicated.

She’s as pretty as a picture – Describing someone who is very beautiful.

You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear – Meaning it’s impossible to turn something low-quality into something high-quality.

She’s as crazy as a sprayed roach – Describing someone who is mentally unstable or very strange.

She’s mad as a wet hen – Describing someone who is extremely angry or upset.

He’s dumber than a bag of rocks – Describing someone who is not very intelligent.

There’s no need to get your feathers ruffled – Meaning there’s no need to get upset or angry.

He’s slicker than snot on a doorknob – Describing someone who is very cunning or deceitful.

He’s been chewed up and spit out – Describing someone who has been through a lot and looks worn out.

She’s a real firecracker – Describing someone who is very energetic and lively.

He’s got more money than he knows what to do with – Describing someone who is very wealthy.

She’s got more sass than a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon – Describing someone who is very sassy or bold.

She’s sweeter than a Georgia peach – Describing someone who is very kind and gentle.

He’s been rode hard and put up wet – Describing someone who looks tired or worn out.

He’s sharper than a tack – Describing someone who is very intelligent or clever.

You’re grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato – Describing someone who is very happy.

She’s chomping at the bit – Meaning she is very eager or impatient.

He’s tougher than a boot – Describing someone who is very strong or resilient.

She’s a real Southern belle – Describing someone who embodies the traditional Southern charm and grace.