Southern Charm
SPILL THE SWEET TEA
"What’s wrong with my sewing?"
-- Craig Conover
Old money and new scandals are alive and well in Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m here for it! Ever since these genteel lads and lasses strolled onto the scene in 2014, we’ve watched Shep, Craig, Cam, Kathryn, Thomas and Whitney implode at posh parties, while Michael poured Patricia a glass of her “medicine” (aka a gin martini).
They’re the OGs of the SC.
These modern day aristocrats appear so polite with their Southern sayings, that they trade insults and you may not even know it! Well, fear not, Charmers. This guide to common phrases should help you navigate.
It’s easy as the birds and the bees and the 1, 2, 3s…
SOUTHERN SPEAK
Y’all (and All Y’all): The mother of all Southern sayings, whether said with sugar or sass, it refers to a group of people.
Aren’t You Precious?: A rhetorical question asked when you feel insulted, immediately followed by the icing out of the person who just offended you.
The Bees Knees: Something awesome or top of the line. Akin to The Cat’s Meow. Or The Cat’s Pajamas. (Sidenote: Why are cats so fancy in the South?)
Bless Your/Her/His Heart: A tricky one. When said with an exclamation, it refers to someone sweet. When said with a period, it’s a nice way of saying someone is stupid.
Cattywampus: Referring to something crooked or askew.
Doohickey: Something you can’t remember the name of, much like a Whatchamacallit or Thingamabob.
Fixin’ To: Refers to something you’re going to do. Just not right away.
Gimme Some Sugah: Meaning give me a kiss. And it must be said with an H at the end, there’s no R in this brand of sugar.
A Hill of Beans: A precise measurement referring to something of little to no value.
I Reckon: Means I think, usually followed by something you believe to be true.
Might Could: Means might. Or could. Maybe.
Plumb: Meaning very or totally. Generally followed by “crazy” or its spicy twin, “loco.”
Pretty As a Peach: A very highly regarded fruit in the South, therefore a high compliment for a beautiful girl.
Over Yonder: A vague direction when you don’t know if a place is North, South, East or West. Usually accompanied by pointing and gesturing to something far away.
Well I’ll Be: A phrase used to express surprise or disbelief.