11 Southern Sayings That Actually Mean The Opposite Of What They Sound Like
Southern people might be sweet, but don't mistake these phrases for kindness.
Enrique Arnaiz Lafuente / Shutterstock Living in the South, most people know that southern hospitality and politeness are key components that make up southern culture. From using 'Ma'am and 'Sir' to using indirect language to tell someone they don't like them, people from the South have sayings that actually mean the opposite of what they sound like.
If someone isn't from the South, these sayings might sound sweet or downright thoughtful. However, it's only when someone has lived in the South for a few years that they realize the things they once found thoughtful are insults hidden in a sweet package. So, what phrases should people be a bit wary of, and what do they even mean?
11 southern sayings that actually mean the opposite of what they sound like
1. ‘Bless your heart’
Josep Suria | Shutterstock
The first southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "Bless your heart." Those truly from the South have probably heard this phrase too many times to count, yet, for those unfamiliar with southern charm, 'Bless your heart' is code for biting condescension. From parents saying it to unsuspecting in-laws to coworkers saying it to other coworkers, southerners know that when someone says, bless your heart, they either don't like someone or didn't like what the person said.
At first glance, this might seem rude or passive-aggressive, but in many situations, this can be pretty helpful. Southerners know how to keep things polite and demure, which is why they'd much prefer to use this phrase than risk their reputation. According to a study published in Social Cognition, this might be a wise decision as it takes much longer to build up a good reputation once someone's made a bad first impression.
So, while others might judge them for their indirect way of saying what's on their mind, there's no denying that their way of speaking absolutely comes in handy.
2. ‘Well, aren’t you precious? ’
Josep Suria | Shutterstock
Let's face it: we've all been in a situation in which we wanted to tell someone off. From rude coworkers to ruder family members, a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "Well, aren't you precious?" As most southern people know, there's no greater satisfaction than saying this to someone who needs to be put in their place.
This phrase might come off as kind, as most people assume a southern person is genuinely calling someone precious. However, as most people from the South know, when a southern person says, "Well, aren't you precious," they really mean, "Well, aren't you a rude and inconsiderate person.
Now, could they have been blunt and told that person straight up how it is? Sure, but that isn't in their nature.
According to psychologists Dov Cohen and Richard Nisbett, “We think the best single explanation has to do with the South being home to a version of the culture of honor.”
This means that someone's reputation is so highly important that they would never risk destroying it by being outright rude. So, while people outside the South might not always understand their way of expressing themselves, one thing is certain. Southerners are clever and quick with their words.
3. ‘She has a big personality’
Antonio Guillem | Shutterstock
At a family reunion or a church gathering, it's not uncommon for southern people to discreetly use code words to judge someone for their actions. While others might find it rude, there's no denying that Southern people know how to judge someone without being outright judgmental. This is why a popular southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "She has a big personality."
For many, hearing this might not raise any red flags. After all, there's nothing wrong with having a loud or outgoing personality, right? However, when a southern person uses this phrase, they aren't necessarily talking about someone's personality. In actuality, they're most likely saying that someone is either over the top or weird. And sure, it might not be the kindest thing to say, however, there's no denying that it's much better than the alternative.
As it stands, being openly critical is almost always a recipe for disaster. For instance, one study published in 2023 found that kids who grew up with highly critical parents were more likely to be depressed. So, in this case, sometimes, subtly is the best route to go.
4. ‘You sure are brave’
Prostock-studio | Shutterstock
Sorry to say it, but a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "You sure are brave." If a southern person says this phrase, just know they're subtly shading someone. It might not be the kindest thing, but saying this phrase is equivalent to saying, "You look a little foolish right now."
For instance, let's say someone is at church and is dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt. For many people, they might just give a side-eye or tell that person to dress nicer. However, for southern people raised with southern politeness, they'll almost always say, "Wow, honey, you sure are brave."
Now, is this polite? Sure. But it isn't always helpful. While it's better to save those remarks for strangers, sometimes, people underestimate just how well people take criticism. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, people overestimate the cost of being honest and incorrectly assume it'll lead to disaster. So, while people absolutely can use this phrase from time to time, it's much better to be kind and say what you actually mean.
5. ‘Isn’t that something’
Motortion Films | Shutterstock
Southern people are kind and sweet at heart, but even they secretly judge people from time to time. And sure, they don't mean to be rude, but a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "isn't that something." In a group of people, it's not uncommon for one person to say, "Isn't that something," toward an unsuspecting bystander.
Don't get it twisted: southern people do their best to be polite. However, every once in a while, they need to say what's on their mind; otherwise, they'll explode. This is why most southern people use polite talk to say what they mean, without saying what they mean. Yet, for those who don't know, saying, "Isn't that something," is kind of like expressing sarcasm or passive-aggressive disbelief.
For instance, let's say someone is being roudy or rude. Instead of saying, "That person is a mess," they might just say, "Well, isn't that something?" However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as being polite has its own fair share of advantages.
According to therapist Hope Perlman, M.Ed., LMSW, being polite is just another way to keep moving forward. So, if someone ever finds themselves in a situation in which they want to silently judge someone with a friend, simply say, "Isn't that something," or, "Well, isn't she something."
6. ‘If you like it, I love it’
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A | Shutterstock
For those who grew up with southern parents, they already know what this phrase means without needing to read further. On the outside, it might sound like encouraging or supportive advice, but a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "If you like it, I love it."
Just know that when a southern person says this, they're secretly judging someone's choices. For instance, let's say someone is prom shopping with their mom and they're looking for the perfect dress. While their mom might not outright express her disdain for their daughter's choices, they'll almost certainly say, "Well, honey, if you like it, I love it."
And while they might be trying to be helpful, there's no denying that hearing this phrase is bound to cause almost anyone to go into overquestioning and insecurity mode.
According to Professor Krystine I. Batcho, Ph.D., feeling judged often leads to depression, anxiety, and stress. So, while southern people might be being polite, sometimes, it's better to be honest for everyone's sake. Otherwise, this person will be second-guessing themselves hours after.
7. ‘You sure do look healthy’
Magic Lens | Shutterstock
Most people would agree that having great health is a huge blessing that most should never take for granted. In a world where people don't have medical care or enough to eat, being able to buy whatever you need is a luxury that shouldn't be scoffed at. That being said, this doesn't mean people want to judge someone for how they eat, which is why a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "You sure do look healthy."
On the outside, this might sound like a compliment, as having good health is what most people strive for. However, be wary if a southern person says this. While it's kind of mean, when a southern person says, "You sure do look healthy," they really mean, "You look fat."
Is this a bit rude to say? Absolutely, as weight gain is a sensitive topic for most people. Not only that, but pointing out someone's weight doesn't have the effect most people think it does. According to a study in 2006, people who had their weight frequently pointed out in childhood were increasingly more likely to suffer from eating disorders. So, while southern people might think saying this is better than the ladder, oftentimes, it's much better to not comment on someone's weight at all.
8. ‘Boy, aren’t you just a peach’
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A | Shutterstock
Everywhere people go, there's almost always that one person who obviously seems to be having a tough day. From the way they roll their eyes to their behavior, there's a popular southern saying people use during these situations that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like.
Let's say a partner is being a bit rude or inconsiderate that day. Maybe their tone of voice changed, or worse, maybe they caught an attitude because, life has been so stressful lately. While it might be tempting to put them in their place, if a southern person is feeling nice and is giving someone a fair warning, they might just say, "Boy, aren't you just a peach today?"
For those who don't know, this phrase is often sarcastic and is another way of pointing out someone's rude behavior without outright saying that person is being rude. So, while it might sound contradictory, this is just another way southern people subtly warn other southern people, giving them a chance to fix their behavior.
This is great, as someone wouldn't want to accidentally enable bad behavior. According to psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., enabling bad behavior can lead to a strained relationship. With this in mind, don't be afraid to continue using this southern phrase. Even if others find it frustrating or not blunt enough, it's the perfect amount of sweet and passive-aggressive to get a southern person's point across while keeping it classy.
9. ‘It’s so nice that you don’t care what other people think about you’
IRA_EVVA | Shutterstock
Another southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "it's so nice that you don't care what other people think about you." While this phrase might sound sweet, for most southern people, this is one of those phrases that will have them wincing and feeling slightly embarrassed.
For those who don't know, when a southern person says this phrase, what they're actually saying is, "You're acting foolish, or you look ridiculous, but you seem to care or notice." Most of the time, people act a certain way without truly thinking about how their behavior or presentation makes them look. And while those in the big city might not care, here in the South, reputation means everything.
Maybe it's because the South has so many small towns, but acting foolish in public isn't the wisest decision. Like it or not, acting crazy out in public will get someone talked about for weeks to come and securely judged. So, when someone utters this phrase, in their own way, they're somewhat looking out for you and giving you the chance to fix your behavior.
10. ‘Just keep on’
Motortion Films | Shutterstock
Every southern child already knows that a southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "Just keep on." Sorry to say, but when an angry southern mom or dad says Just keep on, that really means, "You better quit, otherwise you're going to be meeting Jesus early."
Now, for those not born in the South, this might not sound like a terrifying phrase. However, just know that if a southern person says this, that person has a ten-second window to stop whatever behavior they're doing before that southern hospitality is thrown straight out the window.
It's kind of scary, but in their own way, southern people are giving others a fair warning before they lose their cool completely. So, if that person on the receiving end of this phrase is wise, they'd take that warning to heart and learn to act right, unless they want to meet their maker.
11. ‘I love that for you’
Nicoleta Ionescu | Shutterstock
Finally, the last southern saying that actually means the opposite of what it sounds like is, "I love that for you." Most southerners can already picture it now: a fake smile, wide eyes, and a nodding head glancing at their friends in disbelief. It's a tale as old as time, when a southern person is trying to be polite but is secretly judging you.
Yet, for those who don't know, when a southern person says, "I love that for you," what they really mean is, "I'm secretly judging you for the choices you're making, but I'm not going to say anything." Despite popular belief, most southern people actively choose to mind their business.
Even so, sometimes minding their business is a hassle when someone they love is clearly making a bad decision. However, no matter how much they try, the truth is you can't guide a horse to water. So, instead, southern people do what they do best: subtly tell someone they're making a bad decision without outright saying it, which is sometimes a good thing, as most people won't change their minds anyways.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
