The South is a place full of vibrant culture, tasty cuisine, and warmth that is admired throughout the US. But, as well as its unique traditions, the South is also known for having some colorful expressions, especially in the kitchen.
Let’s take a look at 20 phrases you’d only ever hear in a Southern kitchen.
“Y’all Come Back Now, Ya Hear?
You might hear this as you’re leaving a Southern restaurant, which is the chef’s and/or waiter’s way of letting you know that you are welcome to come back and enjoy the food and service anytime you want.
“Well, Butter My Biscuit!”
This is a very Southern way of saying “I’m surprised,” but with some subtle humor, and you’ll usually also hear laughter whenever someone says this.
“Madder Than a Wet Hen.”
This phrase is used in the South to describe someone who is very angry or upset, and it’s quite a funny way of saying it, too, as you instantly start imagining a wet hen in your mind.
“Hush up and Eat.”
This is a direct yet gentle way of telling someone to be quiet and enjoy their food. While it’s not as harsh as telling someone to “Shut up,” the sentiment is the same; it’s just a more polite way of saying it.
“Full as a Tick.”
While this phrase doesn’t exactly bring a pleasant image to mind, it’s used to infer that you’re full by comparing yourself to a tick that is swollen from blood-sucking. Nice. Yeah, we don’t fancy thinking about this while we are eating, either.
“Bless Their Little Pea-Pickin’ Hearts.”
This is a Southern way of talking about children, and it’s another way of basically saying they are sweet, gentle, innocent souls.
“Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise.”
A very Southern way of expressing hope that plans will go smoothly, with the implication that unforeseen circumstances (like a flooding creek) could disrupt them.
“Happy as a Dead Pig in the Sunshine.”
Although it might not sound like it, this phrase is meant to describe someone who is blissfully happy and enjoying life.
“If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it.”
A practical piece of Southern advice that’s often applied to recipes and kitchen routines that have stood the test of time. It basically means that if something tastes good, don’t mess with it by adding extra ingredients, as you might spoil a good thing.
Bless Your Cotton Socks
This phrase conveys affection, empathy, and kindness. It basically means that someone is sweet and possibly also very innocent or naive.
“I’m Fixin’ To…”
A classic Southern way of saying, “I’m about to…” Whether it’s preparing a meal, taking an order, or starting a new project, you might hear this phrase in a Southern kitchen or restaurant.
“It’s So Good It’ll Make You Wanna Slap Your Mama.”
Now, bear with us, as although this sounds a bit violent, it’s actually a humorous Southern way to describe something incredibly delicious, implying that the food is so good it defies proper behavior.
“Hold Your Horses.”
This is a polite Southern way of saying, slow down and stop eating so fast or telling someone to be patient while waiting for their meal.
“Like Two Peas in a Pod.”
This phrase means that two people are very similar or close, as it compares them to being like two peas packed tightly together in a pod.
“Fit to Be Tied.”
This is a Southern way of saying that someone is under pressure, feeling angry, or frustrated, and you might hear a Chef saying this if they are feeling the heat in the kitchen as the orders pile up.
“Gimme Some Sugar.”
This is a Southern way of asking for affection and can be a gentle way of requesting a kiss or a hug. It could also be used to thank your server for a kind gesture, such as leaving a big tip.
“Well, I Declare!”
A Southern expression of surprise or amazement that is often heard when unexpected news is shared around the kitchen table. Whether it’s in response to hearing that someone is pregnant or that they just got engaged, this phrase signals shock and surprise.
“If That Doesn’t Take the Cake!”
This phrase is often used in the South to express disbelief or astonishment at something surprising or remarkable. You might hear this coming from a Southern kitchen if the chef has received many orders for the same dish or if they’ve run out of alcohol, for example.
“She’s Got a Bun in the Oven.”
This is a playful, humorous way of saying that someone is pregnant, and it is typical of the family-centric conversations that you will hear in a Southern kitchen.
“Knee-High to a Grasshopper.”
This is a very cute way to describe a very young child who is still very small, and it is an affectionate and nostalgic way of saying that a kid is not very tall.
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