southernism
Regional Southern expression
A southernism is a word, phrase, or expression characteristic of the American South: y'all, fixin' to, might could.
The term covers both distinctive vocabulary and grammatical constructions that mark Southern speech.
It can also refer to attitudes, customs, or cultural traits associated with the region.
Unhurried, elongated speech pattern
- twangSharp vibrating sound
- y'allInformal plural you
- fixin'Intending to act
- ain'tInformal negative contraction
howdy · ma'am · reckon · bless your heart · might could · over yonder · tarnation · dadgum
Nickname for Confederate states
- bayouMarshy, slow-moving waterway
- swampWaterlogged land with vegetation
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
- AppalachiaEastern U.S. mountain region
plantation · cotton · antebellum · creole · piedmont · tidewater · backwoods · holler
Suspended outdoor bench seat
- banjoFretted drum-stringed instrument
- fiddleAdjust restlessly; folk violin
- bluegrassAcoustic Appalachian folk music
- honky-tonkRough country music venue
mason jar · hospitality · magnolia · debutante · cotillion · front porch · rocking chair · church supper
drawl
Unhurried, elongated speech pattern
ain't · howdy · ma'am · reckon · bless your heart · might could · over yonder · tarnation · dadgum · cattywampus
Dixie
Nickname for Confederate states
- bayouMarshy, slow-moving waterway
- swampWaterlogged land with vegetation
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
Appalachia · plantation · cotton · antebellum · creole · piedmont · tidewater · backwoods · holler · river bottom
porch swing
Suspended outdoor bench seat
- banjoFretted drum-stringed instrument
- fiddleAdjust restlessly; folk violin
- bluegrassAcoustic Appalachian folk music
honky-tonk · mason jar · hospitality · magnolia · debutante · cotillion · front porch · rocking chair · church supper · revival
sweet tea
Chilled, sugared leaf infusion
hushpuppy · crawdad · julep · soul food · barbecue · chitlins · collard greens · cornbread · fried okra · pimento cheese