Hilarious Southern Phrases Every Transplant Needs to Learn Fast

Having lived in the South my entire life, I never considered that some of our expressions might be hard for "outsiders" to understand.

It all started when a co-worker and I were discussing the drought we've experienced for the past couple of months. I mentioned that what we really need is a "frog strangler". I honestly thought she would spew her entire cup of coffee out of her nose.

Evidently it was the first time she'd ever heard that expression. Course, anyone from below the Mason-Dixon line wouldn't have thought anything of that little colloquial example. They would have totally understood that we we really need is a drenching rain.

This type of exchange happens a lot around here. When people from other parts of the world are here visiting or have transferred here because of a job, there's commonly a slight language barrier. They talk funny don't they? And they think we are the ones with an accent.

Of course, comedians like Jeff Foxworthy have made fortunes pointing out the difference in the way we talk compared to people from other parts of the country.

We might be talking funny to outsiders, but here, we totally understand what's being said. These unique expressions were born in us. Our grandparents used them and their grandparents used them. It's a Southern thing you know.

But no where has anyone ever put together a little guide that explains to visitors and new implants exactly what we're talking about when we use those expressions they've never heard.

That's why we took it upon ourselves to list a number of those expressions that immediately let you know when you hear them, that person is from the South!

Expressions You'll Only Hear From A Real Southerner

Here in the South we have a unique way of putting things. And when you hear any of these expressions, you KNOW that person is a real Southerner and this is what they mean.