15 July 2012

Southern Inhospitality

Having lived most of my life in Georgia, I have become accustomed to many euphemisms that are inherent to Southern culture.  Unless you are a native to the South or have been assimilated into it, you may not be able to recognize what is truly being said.  A true southerner knows how to construct an insult so that it sounds like a complement.  So it is important to be able to distinguish between the two so that you know how to properly gauge where your conversation is headed.

Here is my list of favorites along with their true meanings:

  • "You're not from around here, are ya?"
    To a 
    visitor, this may seem like an offer of assistance. But don't be fooled.  This should be interpreted as "You obviously look clueless and are too dumb to read a map."

  • "You'll sure make a fine husband/wife someday"

    This really does seem complimentary at first, but the true meaning is quite the opposite.  What is really being said is "You're obviously a loser who can't get a date, but surely there is someone who is desperate enough to take you eventually".
  • "Isn't that nice"

    If this comes up in a conversation, just stop talking.  Because what is being said here is basically this: "Please shut up. You're really boring me and I don't really care what you are saying now."
  • "Bless your heart"

    This is a classic and venerable insult that can have many meanings.  In its most basic sense it means "You're so stupid, and you just can't help it".  This is a longtime favorite of older church ladies, and they still get away with it today because.... well, how do you really respond to that?!?!  If anyone ever says this to you just be aware that it is not an expression of sympathy, and you have been dealt the gravest of insults.  And the worst part is... there is still no real defense against it.  I guess that's the beauty of the perception of Southern charm
What other phases have you encountered that can be added to this list?



No comments:

Post a Comment