If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of “bless your heart” — you probably know better than to take it literally. At least if you’re from the South.
The phrase isn’t typically referring to genuine concern over the state of one’s cardiovascular system but is making a statement about a person’s character, behavior or circumstances using a set of *completely* unrelated words.
Here’s what we’re saying:
- Preciate ya: A Tennessee way of telling someone you appreciate them.
- Fixin’ to: You’re about to start something.
- Y’all: The contraction of “you” and “all.”
- Hold your horses: Just calm down and wait, be patient.
- Funny as all get out: Thanks, Mark Twain. If something is “all get out,” it is of the highest conceivable degree.
Answered
“Plum anything.” ( i.e., Well that is just plum stupid.)— Deborah W.
“Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” — Martha K.
“I’ve got a friend who says ‘Sexier than socks on a rooster.’ I got no idea.” — Bill P.
“Uwantto? Idon’tknow” — Tom R.
“Golly Bum” — Ken C.
“God love him/her.” - When someone is going through a hard time.” — Claire C.
“Did you learn how to whisper in a sawmill?” (It means someone is loud) — Levi S.
“Barking up the wrong tree.” (Means being misguided or mistaken) — Angela R.
“Usta could.” — Sharon A.
“He’s a rounder.” (someone of questionable reputation) — Angie W.
“Je’ eat?” (Did you eat?) — Connie B.
“They laaawww…” — Susan K.
“Fine as frog hairs.” — Debra A.
“Madder than a wet hen.” — Angie W.
“You’re riding a short horse in deep water.” (...you’re doing something that could get you in trouble) — Sue G.
“catty-corner.” — Rachel K.
P.S. If you’ve got an hour this week, we recommend checking out this documentary called “Mountain Talk” from The Language and Life Project.
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