From the get-go first time visitors to the Deep South region of the United States may walk away from their initial conversation with a native southerner scratching their heads. As a born and bred southerner I know what is meant when someone says ‘that dog won’t hunt,’ or “a day late and a dollar short.’ So, I think it is my duty to offer this ‘Primer of Southern Sayings’ for newcomers to the nether regions of the South.
In a political election season politicians give a lot of reasons why this or that promised solution didn’t work out as planned. That dog won’t hunt’ is what many constituents walk away saying after listening to the convoluted explanations given by their elected officials, which basically means that makes no sense.
Tough Row to Hoe
Today people around the world are experiencing the effects of a poor economy, and feel that have a ‘tough row to hoe,’ or they have been dealt a difficult situation, or tough set of circumstances.
Raise Cain
If you are a fan of professional pugilism then you probably felt like ‘raising Cain,’ or in layman’s terms ’cause a public disturbance’ after the bout results of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight were announced.
Stop Your Caterwauling
This is the response a husband may get from an angry spouse when he comes home the next morning after a night out with the guys, slightly inebriated, shouting, and beating on the front door. “Stop your caterwauling,” because you’re not getting in.
Tall Enough to Hunt Geese with a Rake
This phrase is apropos for this time of year, as the NBA World Championship Finals are in progress. Who has not looked at some of the players, especially the basketball centers, and said that guy is ‘tall enough to hunt geese with a rake,’ which is only making reference to a person of above average height or stature.
You know that big one hour shoe sale the biggest department store in town is having, and it’s not just any ordinary shoe sale. This is the sale advertising 75 percent off that pair of shoes you’ve been watching for over six months. You set your alarm clock for 5:00 a.m. for the 8:00 a.m. sale. Your clothes are laid out; you fall asleep, and dream of your leopard, 5 inch, killer stiletto heels.
But the dream was so good, you sleep through the alarm, and when you finally wake up the sale is over, and the shoes are again priced at a king’s ransom. You then realize you are a day late and a dollar short. In other words it’s too little to late.
Now don’t go thinking that people from the South have rocks in their head, or aren’t very smart. And, don’t go sweating bullets, that is, get nervous or scared, if you pick up the lingo slower than molasses going uphill in January. For those who stick around for awhile, understanding the language will soon become as easy as taking candy from a baby, and you will be sitting in the catbird seat. On this you can bet your bottom dollar. So ya’ll come.
