Speaking Southern

To contact us Click HERE
Some people think that a Southern accent is lovely, melodius and gracious while others (bless their heart) think it makes us sound like hicks. Whatever, there is most certainly a way of speaking southern whether you have an accent or not. (My accent mostly comes out when I am mad). We wanted to share some sayings and use of specific words or phrases with our non-Southern friends (bless their hearts too), along with some tips and hints if you are visting the south or want to pass as a southerner.

Addled: Confused, disoriented, as in the case of some sociologists who try to make sense out of the South, "What's wrong with that boy? He acts right addled."
Best: Another Southernism that is usually couched in the negative. "You best be home by 10 pm or your mama will be mad."

Supper: The evening meal that most Southererners eat while Yankees are having dinner. "What's for supper, honey?
Wear out: An expression used to describe a very effective method of behavior modification in children. "When I get ahold of that boy, I'm gonna wear him out."

Mind to: To have the intention of going somewhere, doing something. "I got a mind to call in sick today and go to the beach."
When you have had enough to eat but are being offered more food you say "That's a gracious plenty." Can be used for anything being offered.

We have Yard Sales...not rummage or garage or tag sales.

Fixin: Getting ready to do something; "I'm fixing to go to the Outer Banks for the week."
Real gravy does not come from the store or any can or box. Ever. End of discussion.
A true Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is - as in "Going to Manteo, be back directly."
True Southerners knows you don't scream obscenities at little old ladies or men or anyone who drives 30 on the freeway (or the beach road or anywhere). You just say, "Bless her heart" and go your way.
Southerners make friends standing in lines. We don't do "queues," we do "lines." And when we're in line, we pretty much talk to everybody
The North has Cream of Wheat, the South has grits. Grits are to be eaten with butter and cheese (the cheese is optional)...not syrup or sugar.
The North has green salads, the South has collard greens...you must have cornbread when you eat collards.

Remember, "y'all" is singular, "all y'all" is plural, and "all y'all's" is plural possessive
Sweet Tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're 3 years old.
When you invite a Southerner to your home please never serve them tea from a bottle...or worse, a can...unless that is all you have and it is an emergency.
In the South, when there is the prediction of the slightest chance of snow, even the most minuscule accumulation, our presence is required at the local grocery store. It does not matter if we need anything or not...our presence is required.
A true Southerner will have at least one can of WD-40 in the house. 

Moon Pies...try one. With an RC Cola. 

Welcome to Nawth Carolina, ya'll! We are truly glad you are here. We hope you come back real soon now, ya hear?