Exploring the Charm of Southern Sayings: A Guide to "Savannahisms"

1. "Bless your heart."

This might sound sweet, but be wary—Southerners use this phrase to politely disguise their criticism. It's the ultimate Southern stealth insult, usually aimed at someone who's none the wiser. Flashbacks of Grandma's house come to mind with this one.  

2. "Something in the milk ain't clean."

If you hear this, beware: something's off. This phrase suggests that a situation or person's motives aren't pure or straightforward.

3. "Hey, y'all!" 

This is the Southern greeting par excellence and what you know and love us for! Friendly and inclusive, it's how locals say hello to a group, whether it's two people or twenty.

4. "You think fat meat ain't greasy!"

This one's used to call out someone who's in denial about an obvious truth. It's like saying, "You can't deny the evidence!"

5. "That dog won't hunt."   

Don't waste your time; whatever you're proposing just isn't going to work. It's a polite way of saying your idea or plan is no good. In other words, "I want no parts of it, so don't even try it!"

6. "You just took your sweet time, huh?"   

If Southern hospitality had a sarcastic side, this would be it. It's a playful nudge to someone who's been dawdling or moving "slower than molasses."

7. "You're getting too big for your britches."   

A colorful way to tell someone they're getting a little too cocky or confident for their own good. It’s a reminder to stay humble. 

8. "Over yonder."

This refers to a place that's a bit far away but not too distant. "Yonder" could be a stone's throw away or a few miles down the road.

9. "Stop all that "piddlin'."

Quit wasting time! This phrase is used to chide someone who's dilly-dallying on trivial things instead of focusing on important tasks. Or, your mom who's always looking for something to clean when there's nothing to clean.

10. "You're as pretty as a peach!"

In the South, peaches are as good as it gets. This compliment is reserved for someone who's looking particularly lovely or charming.

11. "As all get out."

Used for emphasis to describe something to the extreme. You might be tired "as all get out" after a long day or happy "as all get out" at a joyful event.

12. "You look rode hard and put up wet."

This isn't as complimentary. It means someone looks utterly exhausted or worn out, akin to a horse that’s been ridden hard and not properly groomed afterward. Basically, you look a mess!

13. "Cattywampus."

Something that's all askew or awry. If your plans go cattywampus, they've definitely gone sideways and not as intended.

14. "Child, you're 'preachin' to the choir'!"

You're making a point to someone who already agrees with you. It’s often used to acknowledge shared opinions or common knowledge. In other words, stop being repetitive; we already know so... ?

So, there you have it—a primer on the colorful, charming, and sometimes cheeky world of Southern sayings. Whether you're "over yonder" or right in the heart of the South, these expressions add a dash of regional flair that's as rich as a slice of pecan pie. Y'all come back now, ya hear? 

Ok, we're laying it on a little thick, but what can we say? It's the Southern way.