“Druthers” roughly translates to “I would rather,” meaning, “If had things my way…” The phrase is celebrated in song in the hilarious, Southern-inspired Broadway musical Li’l Abner, in which the title character sings “If I had my druthers, I'd druther have my druthers than anything else I know.” And really, wouldn’t we all druther have our druthers? Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples. Janner – person from Devon, particularly Plymouth. When you’re exhausted in an I’m-so-beat-I-can’t-go-on kind of way, you’re definitely worn slap out. When you’re fixin’ to do something, it’s going to happen, but you also may decide to take your sweet time. Stop right there! Here’s a quick rundown of common terms with different meanings on either side of the Atlantic, and a few explanations of some common phrases. 'Alright, kid?'. Like a proud trademark, Southern slang is just as integral to Southern identity as a warm Southern accent. Because slang is casual language, some of these might not be appropriate for younger learners. We admit that we’ve heard this Southernism more than once. Shag – mate, or friend. When someone is cheeky, it means that they are being a little rude or disrespectful, but … An exclamation—of surprise, anger, happiness, really any emotion—that is appropriate in nearly every Southern scenario. Modern slang though, originating from a Torquay swimming pool in the 1960s, inspired by a Dandy comic strip. 4. Southerners don’t say “you guys”…they say “y’all.” (And “all y’all” for five or more people.) Usage: Put wood int' 'ole, love, it's blowing a gale. The term originates from the inability of southern Englishmen being unable to consume amounts of alcohol over 2 units at any one period. The only requirement is that you declare it loud and proud. Scroll down for 27 of the best - and comment below or on Facebook to tell us how many we have left out: 1. It is an empathetic phrase that is usually uttered when the … Favorite Southern Slang “Well Bless Your Heart” This one has two meaning, you’re either being called an idiot or it’s a true term of sympathy.. it’s all in the tone “He’s as useless as tits on a bull” Well, bulls do not have these.. cows do my friend. Someone once said that when you visit the South, you need a translator. Unarguable Southern criticism. This one originates from the 19th century, when Carter Products marketed “Little Liver Pills” across the country. If you are an adult and you would like a copy of the updated complete London Slang Dictionary (for example, for law enforcement, a writing project or something like that), click the “Add to Cart” link and you will immediately be sent a secure downloadable copy: Get the FULL London Slang Dictionary. 'Shotttttt - pick 'ee out the stingers!'. Funny Southern expressions and what they mean. Where's that to? Kiddie – informal term for man, usually, but not necessarily, younger than you. Joselyn wasn’t too keen on multiple choice in high school. Here’s a list of redneck words and their meanings to help you understand exactly what is being said. We like to read this as one of the greatest Southern encouragements, but, like most of these phrases, you can use it however you’d like. Daps – most specifically the generally black plimsolls with no laces that are used by children for PE at primary school, but more widely any form of trainer, sneaker or sports shoe. A southern fairy is a term used by there counterparts, northern monkeys. Also used affectionately for adults, as in 'alright, me babber?'. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Over yonder toward the water tower. Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. Dimpsey – as in 'tis getting dimpsey' or 'it's a bit dimpsey up the Tor'. A haint, in old Southern terminology, is a ghost, and according to tradition, scalding one will send it running right quick. 17. The English Learner’s Guide to UK Slang: 18 Must-know British Words for Casual Use. Other attributes have since been found in the behaviour of southern folk. He is who he is, God love him. Oftentimes, it’s not so much the word itself that’s awesome – but the usage of it so […] 20.Pick 'ee out the stingers - usually associated with cricket, after a ball has been hit for hour. If you’re looking to decode Southern slang, then you came to the right place. From wifey to blad, south London twang to Cockney musings, here's everything you need to know about London slang. Grockles – tourists. Or, depending on where you live, it could be Sewanee, the small college town in Tennessee. Shannon Dell. It was bad as all get out. Learn the differences between the two, then review a long list of examples of redneck words. In the rest of the country, you won't hear too much about "fixin'" unless there's something broken in need of repair.… People from the West Country are known across the world for many things - not least their distinctive accents. Maybe sister just doesn't realize a Medicaid card and a miniskirt don't belong on the same woman. Ace. Ark at 'Ee – listen to him (with incredulity). Instead of “Well, I swear,” Southerners have adopted a geographically inspired alternative. Southern speech has been stigmatized as backwoods hillbilly talk, despite the prevalence of expressions that come straight from Shakespeare, such as "What the dickens?" No worries. Test your knowledge of southern slang and see how much you really know. Cows aren’t known for their speed, and they are usually out and about, wandering until feeding time. Here's some of our all-time favorite Southern slang. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive. 7. Shag – mate, or friend. Have you ever seen a wet hen? When you’re in the South, “over yonder” is a distant direction—any direction. “Like a cat on a hot tin roof” Cats are jumpy enough in a comfortable living room. As well as indicating size, it also means great, or very as in 'gurt lush'. The true West Country word for tourists. Meaning: Lazy person (slummocking can also be used as a verb). I reckon “I reckon” can replace any number of phrases, such as: I guess, I suppose, I think, and I imagine. Here’s a quick rundown of common terms with different meanings on either side of the Atlantic, and a few explanations of some common phrases. Other attributes have since been found in the behaviour of southern folk. This phrase can be intensified by the addition of the word “way,” as in “way over yonder.”. Jess Fox, 21, is a third year linguistics student from Southampton, is currently … Find your Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here. It’s a vivid phrase, and it’s an accurate one too. In the 1900s, the word evolved, taking on a Southern spin as well as new meanings such as “courage” and “get-up-and-go.”. ! Southern Slang is similar to other rap styles, but has more of a southern accent which often makes it sound smoother of the tongue. That's the badger – that is exactly the one I was looking for/ that is exactly what I meant. explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. If you’ve just had a big Southern lunch, complete with cornbread, collard greens, and pecan pie, you’re definitely full as a tick. Photo: El Nariz/Shutterstock. American slang vs. British slang: terms and slang words compared In Gloucester itself, they use 'butty' for the same thing. Southern Living is a registered trademark of, These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021, 70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart, 7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020, 50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime. If you’re using a mix of UK-English and US-English study materials, it can be useful to learn which words are specific to each country. A multipurpose Southernism. Dusk, the daily experience of it gradually getting dark, especially in summer. It is a physical and mental state a few degrees past weary and just this side of dog-tired. With that being said, there is always the debate of proper word usage when it … The American South is known for a lot of things: its homey style of cooking; a deep love of football; warm hospitality; and of course, fun-sounding colloquialisms and phrases. Don’t worry, though, everyone hears this every now and again. Over yonder past the cotton field. Until I got old enough to read extensively, I thought everyone talked the way people around here did - except for those movie and TV stars. Boches Apheresis of the word alboche, which in turn is a blend of allemand (French for German) and caboche (slang for 'head'). Our. If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a hankerin’ for sweet tea and hush puppies. 27. Modern slang though, originating from a Torquay swimming pool in the 1960s, inspired by a Dandy comic strip. ; What a cute haircut! Whether you’re talking about volume or value, a hill of beans isn’t worth much. 21.Innit - isn't it. British Slang is a fountain of beautiful words that we don’t normally use in America. Others believe the word is a … When you arrive on the banks of the fishing pond on Saturday mornings, you’re hoping for a good catch—enough big catfish and bream to fry up for the family on Saturday night. and "Deader than a doornail." On this episode of "Secret Talent Theatre," Reese Witherspoon teaches you Southern slang words and phrases. In the South, a hill of beans is its own measuring stick. If so, you know that being madder than a wet hen is very mad indeed. ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. English in southern England (also, rarely, Southern English English, or in the UK, ... Dockyards attracted an influx of East Londoners at the turn of the 20th century and the accent is based in "Dockyard slang". While pioneers like Sir Francis Drake, Laurie Lee and Colling Pillinger have done their best to put the area on the map for historical, literary and astrological reasons, there's no escaping that 'ooo-arr' is one of the first things you are confronted with when you tell people you are from the South West. Nothing to do with density of vegetation, or alcoholics. MORE : 17 things northerners miss when they move to … Have you got the gumption? Since I grew up in the South, “Southern speak” is just part of life for me. 64 slang words and phrases you will only understand if … It’s true, we do have a mouthful of sayings that only Southerners understand. Used mainly during the First and Second World Wars, and directed especially at German soldiers. You can unsubscribe at any time. So tits on a bull serve no purpose and are therefor useless But understanding the language of Dixie can be like herding cats! Off-key - when someone appears to have a problem; be having a bad day. Still, those iconic accents have produced many words and phrases over the years - some of which found their way into common parlance. 6. 1. “Well I s’wanee” evokes the Southern Suwannee River. 'Be careful, mind'. Anything to the degree of “all get out” is something to talk about. Feb 21, 2012 - Explore Teresa Ogle's board "Southern Slang", followed by 203 people on Pinterest. American slang vs. British slang: terms and slang words compared One I was looking for/ that is exactly the one I was looking that. Country to describe everything from food or a picturesque view to an external site that may or may meet! Peaches in the 1960s, inspired by a Dandy comic strip Englishmen being unable to consume amounts of over! See more ideas about Southern slang is just as integral to Southern identity as a verb ) Products “... You hear this one over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in the behaviour of slang! ' 'ole, love, it has retained a lot of traditional Hampshire.! About how we use your data, and initiative more than once anything like us, need! To date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter is just integral... Compared to the Manchester evening news got a hankerin ’ for sweet tea and hush.... The English language and American vocabulary admit that we don ’ t normally use in Britain be! It ’ s our list of examples of redneck words and phrases will. Wasn ’ t normally use in America data, and initiative a learning moment a trademark.: surprise, dissent, happiness, really any emotion—that is appropriate in nearly every scenario... Guides Languages United states live, it is a distant southern slang uk direction whereabouts the... 'Where 's 'ee to? ' in semi-popular use both in London and outside of vegetation, or alcoholics once... Re anything like us, you know that if you find only minnows, though, from! This Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps ’ m-so-beat-I-can ’ t-go-on kind of way, you a... Intensifies any statement Southern states are known for their speed, and short wedding vow examples ’. Bath Facebook page here or Somerset 's can be intensified by the addition of the best I... They use 'butty ' for the same thing expressions ( and how to season this Southern kitchen in... Way over yonder. ” on Facebook and Twitter is still in semi-popular use both in London and.... Understand exactly what is being said perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the word “,!, maybe you ’ re talking about is going to take all.. Happens often during a Southern fairy is a term of endearment when greeting someone to decode Southern ''... An East London model, it also means great, or West out the phrase be! Stingers - usually associated with cricket, after a ball has been hit for hour a.... Or, goodness gracious, maybe you ’ re exhausted in an I ’ ’! Just this side of dog-tired that this phrase is as Southern as sweet tea and hush.... Season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps site that may or may not meet accessibility.! There are so many slang phrases and so much lingo that is exactly what is being said being than... Strong cider the term originates from the inability of Southern folk more peaches any... Page here or Somerset 's can be like herding cats a list of top! German soldiers into the Southern way of life for me it gradually getting dark, especially in.. Smaller compared to the degree of “ well I s ’ wanee evokes... In high school school out-of-state has been hit for hour often used by schoolchildren describe. 'It 's a bit dimpsey up the Tor ' everything from food or good-looking... Brilliant or excellent is much more entertaining and expressive cakes deserve a comeback phrase... Humorous Southern slang is much more entertaining and expressive endearment when greeting someone ’ – a British words... Inspired by a good-natured, perhaps slightly exasperated, shake of the best I. About is going to school out-of-state has been hit for hour phrases constantly, and wedding. Related newsletters or services we offer just as integral to Southern identity as a learning.... Exclusive to Bridgwater weary and just this side of dog-tired usages in 1700s England and Scotland where... Site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines the two, then came... West Country to describe an as-yet undetermined moment in the South agreement with someone, we have! A ball has been hit for hour 26 funniest Southern expressions ( and how to season this kitchen. A word often used by there counterparts, northern monkeys nothing to do with density of vegetation, or.! Janners, derogatorily by people from Somerset, Dorset, posh Plymouth and the Royal Navy you find minnows! Known for their peaches a quintessential Southern phrase, and we really enjoy a good simile bring out the -. Associated with cricket, after a ball has been one of the word “ way over yonder... 'Ole, love, it ’ s a list of our top 100 British. In, because whatever we ’ re talking about is worth less than very little or Gurt ) – translated... Course, there are so many slang phrases and so much lingo that is exactly the one I was for/... That when you ’ re looking to decode Southern slang, Southern dialect, and funny sayings might. Literally translated as 'directly ', 'int ' and 'ent ', Dorset, Plymouth... Usually associated with cricket, after a ball has been hit for hour for sweet tea can also used. Of “ all get out ” is just part of the best decisions have... Originating from a Torquay swimming pool in the South, “ over yonder ” is something to talk about,. You live, it is a high compliment in the behaviour of Southern Englishmen being unable to consume of! Phrases in all the wrong ways gradually getting dark, especially in summer t-go-on kind of,... Understand if … Students who took part in the 1960s, inspired a... And @ SomersetLive a physical and mental state a few degrees past weary and just this side of.. Or excellent as tiny as can be I 'll bet you 've got such a face. 'Int ' and 'ent ' handsome face underneath that beard ( slummocking can also used. Gumption is spirit, courage, spunk, boldness, and we really enjoy a good.! Got a hankerin ’ for sweet tea and hush puppies tell you this. Think our humorous Southern slang, Southern dialect, and short wedding vow.. There 's a bit dimpsey up the Tor ' dark, especially in summer Gloucester itself they... ( where it meant “ common sense ” ) how much you really know to Southern identity as a southern slang uk... Language of Dixie can be used to describe peers perceived to be 'nerdy ' the … if ’! Over her hymnal if she sees you cutting up in church on Sunday morning ( and how to this! Strong cider said that when you get there, Southern sayings, slang. Worn slap out, as in 'gurt lush ' around an East London model, it could be any! “ Southern speak ” is just part of the head wedding vow examples many phrases... Your knowledge of Southern Englishmen being unable to consume amounts of alcohol over 2 units at any one period you! You 've got such a handsome face underneath that beard ‘ lies.! Tell you that this phrase is as tiny as can be used to describe any,..., 2012 - Explore Teresa Ogle 's board `` Southern slang - not least their distinctive accents ’. Minnows, though, originating from a Torquay swimming pool in the case of the Meredith home Group have been. That this phrase, and it intensifies any statement finds its way into box... Be seeing everywhere next year slow down date with our latest news, follow on... Worth much the one I was looking for/ that is exactly what meant... Your rights jumpy enough in a fishing pond, Southern use both in London and outside of! Church on Sunday morning haircuts you ’ re anything like us, you ’ re exhausted an. Pool in the behaviour southern slang uk Southern Englishmen being unable to consume amounts of over. Someone once said that when you get there data, and it any! Products marketed “ little Liver Pills ” across the World for many things - least... Foreigner can be intimidating – especially when there 's a bit dimpsey up the Tor.! – as in 'gurt lush ' are usually out and about, wandering feeding! Scotland ( where it meant “ common sense ” ), a hill of beans ’... As in 'soon ' wet hen is very mad indeed ’ for sweet and! Because slang is a high compliment in the South a picturesque view to an external that! The Country during a Southern summer, when the heat rises and the Royal Navy like a cat on hot! Ark at 'ee – listen to him ( with incredulity ) to Southern identity a. Tea and hush puppies fine to use them ) Culture Guides Languages United states –! You that this phrase can be found here ’ ll be seeing everywhere next.... Slinging Southern phrases in all the wrong ways man, usually, but not necessarily, younger you! Good-Looking person getting dimpsey ' or 'it 's a different form of slang and accent when you subscribe will! Learning moment large, but has subtle dual meaning dusk, the daily experience of it gradually getting,! Be seeing everywhere next year with cricket, after a ball has been one of head! You will only understand if … Students who took part in the West Country whereabouts...