Southern Expressions

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Instructions: Discover the meanings behind charming Southern US sayings and expressions

1.
What does the Southern expression 'fixin' to' mean?
A
Repairing something
B
Fixing a mistake
C
Preparing food
D
About to do something
2.
If a Southerner says 'bless your heart,' what do they often really mean?
A
A sincere blessing
B
A medical concern
C
A polite way of expressing pity or mild criticism
D
A prayer for good health
3.
What does 'over yonder' mean in Southern speech?
A
Over there, in that direction
B
In the next town
C
In the past
D
Upstairs
4.
If someone in the South says 'I'm madder than a wet hen,' what do they mean?
A
They're very cold
B
They're extremely angry
C
They're soaking wet
D
They're raising chickens
5.
What does the expression 'cattywampus' mean?
A
A wild cat
B
Very tired
C
Crooked or askew
D
A type of dance
6.
In the South, what does 'might could' mean?
A
Could never
B
Should always
C
Definitely will
D
Might be able to
7.
What does 'hush your mouth' mean in Southern English?
A
Go to sleep
B
Brush your teeth
C
Eat something
D
Be quiet / I can't believe it
8.
If a Southerner says they're 'knee-high to a grasshopper,' what do they mean?
A
They're extremely tall
B
They're gardening
C
They're in a field
D
They were very young or very small
9.
What does 'pitch a fit' mean in Southern slang?
A
Set up a tent
B
Play baseball
C
Start a fire
D
Throw a tantrum
10.
In the South, what does 'ugly as homemade sin' mean?
A
Very unattractive
B
A messy house
C
A religious reference
D
A bad cook
11.
What does 'carry me to the store' mean in Southern dialect?
A
Show me where the store is
B
Drive or take me to the store
C
Physically carry me
D
Buy me groceries
12.
If someone says 'that dog won't hunt,' what are they saying?
A
That idea or plan won't work
B
They don't like dogs
C
The dog is lazy
D
Dogs can't hunt anymore
13.
What does 'full as a tick' mean in Southern expression?
A
Running out of time
B
Infested with ticks
C
Very full from eating
D
Full of energy
14.
In the South, what does 'sweating like a sinner in church' mean?
A
Being very religious
B
Exercising too much
C
Having a fever
D
Being extremely nervous or hot
15.
What does the expression 'I reckon' mean in Southern speech?
A
I remember
B
I think or I suppose
C
I demand
D
I reject

Answer Key

Question 1

D. About to do something

Question 2

C. A polite way of expressing pity or mild criticism

Question 3

A. Over there, in that direction

Question 4

B. They're extremely angry

Question 5

C. Crooked or askew

Question 6

D. Might be able to

Question 7

D. Be quiet / I can't believe it

Question 8

D. They were very young or very small

Question 9

D. Throw a tantrum

Question 10

A. Very unattractive

Question 11

B. Drive or take me to the store

Question 12

A. That idea or plan won't work

Question 13

C. Very full from eating

Question 14

D. Being extremely nervous or hot

Question 15

B. I think or I suppose

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