16 Southern Idioms: "Southern Sayings" at the Heart of the South
Southern Wisdom: Sweet 16 Southern Sayings, Southern Idioms at the Heart of the South
What is a Southern Idiom?
Idioms are a pack of words, that have a non literal meaning, they are a figure of speech. Idioms are also great carriers of culture, as they often summarize some phenomenon that a culture faces or understands agrees on, experiences or believes. But they aren’t just talk—they’re the echoes of a rich history.
Southern idioms and dialect are deeply rooted in late Elizabethan English, combined with the languages and phonetics of West Africa, which created the beautiful (my bias) sound and graceful cadence of that Twang...a unique tapestry of speech that’s distinctly Southern.
Our proverbs are the stories, distilled wisdom, values, and beliefs that have been carried by our ancestors and handed down through generations, shaping the very fabric of our culture.
At Southertees, we celebrate 🤠 these time travelled Southern sayings. Just like our beloved dialect, these proverbs carry a weight of meaning that Southerners absorb from a young age, becoming part of our identity.
16 Southern Sayings :
"A blacksnake knows the way to the hen’s nest."
Meaning: A dishonest person will keep at it until they’re caught.
Or as we say down here: "A snake in the grass is just waiting for the right time to bite."
"A blind horse doesn’t fall when he follows the bit."
Meaning: Follow instructions, and everything will turn out fine.
Or: "Follow the leader, and you’ll make it to the barn."
"A bull without horns is still smart."
Meaning: Even if someone isn’t what they once were, they can still be dangerous.
Or: "Just ’cause the bark’s gone don’t mean the bite ain’t there."
"A bumblebee is faster than a John Deere tractor."
Meaning: If you stumble upon a nest while on the tractor, better jump off and run!
Or: "Run like you stole something if you kick up a hive!"
My personal faves:
"A cat can have kittens in an oven, but that don’t make ‘em biscuits."
Meaning: Being in a certain place doesn’t change what you truly are.
Or: "Just ’cause you’re sittin’ in the garage don’t make you a car."
"A crooked cornstalk can still have a straight ear."
Meaning: One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.
Or: "Even a rusty nail can hold up a barn door."
A new broom sweeps clean, but an old one knows where the dirt is."
Meaning: Fresh starts are great, but experience knows best.
Or: "The new guy might work hard, but the old timer knows the tricks."
"An empty wagon makes a lot of noise."
Meaning: Those who know the least often talk the most.
Or: "The loudest one in the room is usually the weakest."
"An old sow knows enough about figures to count her pigs."
Meaning: Common sense can be more valuable than book smarts.
Or: "You don’t need to be a genius to know which way the wind’s blowing."
"Birds of a feather flock together."
Meaning: Like-minded people stick together.
Or: "If you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas."
"Buzzards and chickens come home to roost."
Meaning: Your bad deeds will eventually catch up with you.
Or: "What goes around, comes around."
"Don’t bite off more than you can chew."
Meaning: Know your limits—don’t take on more than you can handle.
Or: "Don’t let your mouth write checks your butt can’t cash."
"Don’t count your chickens until they hatch."
Meaning: Don’t assume the outcome until it’s certain.
Or: "Don’t go putting the cart before the horse."
"Don’t argue with idiots; they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
Meaning: It’s best not to engage with those who only seek to cause trouble.
Or: "Wrestling with pigs only gets you dirty, and the pig likes it." so true!
"Better to keep your mouth shut and seem a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
Meaning: Sometimes, silence is golden.
Or: "It’s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it."