The Southern Dictionary: Extended Version

By Chelsea Falin

Have you ever been deep down south and tried to ask someone for directions or engage someone in a conversation just to realize you have no idea what they are saying? Are you a Yankee who is vacationing or moving to a southern state? Do you have a southern friend who has moved up north and you'd really like to know what they are saying? Do you want to actually understand words like y'all, yonder, reckon, spell, and might could? Or do you just want to have a quick laugh at some of the more colorful southern sayings?

 

Then this is the book for you!

 

Comedic yet factual, The Southern Dictionary can help you to piece together all of the intricacies of southern speak. This extended version has 100+ more southern words and phrases than the original version! Plus, it also has a useful section on the very basics of southern grammar! I bet you didn't know there was a formula on how to use these interesting words and phrases, now did you? As a bonus, there is even a cute little section entitled '10 rules for Yankees To Survive The South.' Don't miss out on this great read!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chelsea Falin
• Release date: Oct 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781393741084

Book preview

A

Act The Fool

Alternatively: Actin' The Fool; Acting The Fool

Definition: You or someone else is acting very foolishly.

Example:You don't need to act the fool to get some attention  'round here, ya know.

Translation: You should know that you do not need to act very  foolishly to get attention.

Act Up

Definition: Misbehave

Example: Don't you act up now, ya hear me?

Translation: Don't misbehave, do you understand?

Acted Up

Definition: Someone has misbehaved

Example: They done acted up and I skinned 'em alive!

Translation: They have misbehaved, so I gave them a spanking!

Actin' Up

Definition: Someone is in the process of misbehaving

Example: They just wont stop actin' up!

Translation: They just will not stop misbehaving!

Addled

Definition: Mixed Up

Example: Girl, you done got yourself addled.

Translation: Daughter, you have gotten yourself mixed up.

Aim To

Definition: Mean To; If you aim to do something, than you mean to   do something

Example: I aim to do it this evening.

Translation: I mean to do it this evening.

––––––––

Aimed To

Definition: Meant to

Example: I aimed to fix the car, just never got 'round to getting' it   done.

Translation: I meant to fix the car, but I never got around to it.

Ain't

Alternative Spellings: Aint

Definition: Means is not, Isn't, will not, won't. It is a  negative term referring to just about anything, and can be   replaced with almost any other negative word or phrase in   the American English vocabulary.

Example: That ain't gonna be a problem, is it?

Translation: That isn't going to be a problem, is it?

Ain't Fit

Definition: If something 'ain't fit' then something just isn't right

Example: Them youngin's runnin' off like that just ain't fit.

Translation: Those children running off like that isn't right.

Ain't No Thing

Alternative Spellings: Aint No Thing; Ain't No Thang; Aint No  Thang

Definition: It's no big deal

Example: Ain't no thing if you can't make it.

Translation: It's no big deal if you can not make it.

Ain't That The Truth?

Definition: A term formed as a question meant to indicate you  agree with what the other person has said.

Example: I reckon she ought to quit while she's ahead./Ain't that  the truth?

Translation: I believe she should stop while she is able to./I  believe what you have said is the truth.

Air-Up

Definition: To pressurize or inflate your tires (or anything else that   needs to be blown up). Basically, to blow up.

Example: The trucks ridin' funny, I think we need to air-up our  tires.

Translation: The truck is driving odd, I think we need to blow up  our tires.

Alabammy

Alternative Spellings: Alabamy

Definition: Refers to the state of Alabama

Example: I'm from Alabammy.

Translation: I'm from Alabama

All Y'all

Definition: A plural term used to indicate a large group of people.  There is no set number to  how many people  'all y'all'   refers to, but it is safe to assume it may be used for groups   of four or more people.

Example:What are all y'all up to?

Translation: What are all of you currently doing?

Arkansan

See Also: Arkansawyer, Arkie

Definition: A person who is a native of, or current resident of,  Arkansas.

Example: I heard tale that new girl is an Arkansan.

Translation: Someone told me that the new girl is from Arkansas.

Amen!

Definition: A colorful exclamation meant to show agreement with   someone.

Example: Amen! Ain't that the truth?

Translation: I agree with you! I believe that what you said is the  truth.

Arkansawyer

See Also: Arkansan, Arkie

Definition: A person who is a native of, or current resident  of,   Arkansas.

Example: That there boy is an Arkansawyer.

Translation: That boy over there is from Arkansas.

Arkie

See Also: Arkansawyer, Arkansan

Definition: A person who is a native of, or current resident  of,   Arkansas.

Example: I'm an Arkie.

Translation: I am from Arkansas.

As Easy As Slidin' Off A Greasy Log Backwards

Definition: Very easy.

Example: Lovin' you is as easy as slidin' off a greasy log  backwards, darlin'.

Translation: Loving you is very easy to do, dear one.

As Useful As A Trap Door On A Canoe

Definition: Useless; Not Useful At All

Example: Why yer about as useful as a trap door on a canoe,  ain't ya?

Translation: You are useless, aren't you?

A Tough Row To Hoe

Definition: Something is difficult to do, or a question is difficult to   answer.

Example: Now that sure is a tough row to hoe!

Translation: That is really difficult to do!

A Whistlin' Woman And A Crowin' Hen Never Comes To A Very Good End

Definition: Just be yourself; Be who you are; Be who you were  meant to be

Example: Well, I'll tell you what, a whistlin' woman and a  crowin' hen never comes to a very good end

Translation: Let me tell you you that you should just be yourself.

B

Badgerin'

Definition: If you or someone else is badgerin' someone, they are  bothering them.

Example: Quit badgerin' me, chile, I'm busy!

Translation: Stop bothering me, child, I am busy!

Badmouthed

Definition: Talked bad to someone

Example: I heard tale you badmouthed me, darlin', and I ain't  gonna stand for it.

Translation: I heard that you talked bad about me to someone  else, and I am not going to stand for it.

Barkin' Up The Wrong Tree

Definition: You are asking the wrong person

Example: If you think I'm gonna go 'gainst your pa, yer barkin' up   the wrong tree!

Translation: If you think that I will go against your father,  you are   asking the wrong person.

Bath

Definition: In the south, 'bath' may refer to a shower or a tub. The  reason is it included is because in other parts of the