Posted in South Carolina
July 12, 2017
13 Phrases That Will Make You Swear South Carolinians Have Their Own Language
In South Carolina we have our own language and we’re proud of it. Some of it’s carried forward from previous generations and maybe that’s why we love it so much. So if you’re visiting, or have just moved here to the Palmetto State here’s a little taste of our secret language. Check it out below:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
As in: "I wish they had some nabs to go with these Ritz Crackers and dip."
Translation: They really should have some cheese crackers at this shindig.
Translation: They really should have some cheese crackers at this shindig.
As in: That place y'all lookin' for is over yonder a piece.
Translation: It's right over there.
Translation: It's right over there.
As in: "Shoot fire. I left my purse over yonder, now I have to go back and get it."
Translation: none. This was one of my Mother's favorite ones. If you're from South Carolina then you surely know what "shoot fire" means, don't make me say it.
Translation: none. This was one of my Mother's favorite ones. If you're from South Carolina then you surely know what "shoot fire" means, don't make me say it.
As in: "Well...shoot!"
Translation: Sometimes, we'll just shorten the "shoot fire" to just plain old "shoot." Again, if you're from South Carolina you know what it means. If I curse in my article I won't have a job for long.
Translation: Sometimes, we'll just shorten the "shoot fire" to just plain old "shoot." Again, if you're from South Carolina you know what it means. If I curse in my article I won't have a job for long.
As in: "Just mash it, it'll go."
Translation: Just put your foot on the pedal real hard...it'll go.
Translation: Just put your foot on the pedal real hard...it'll go.
As in: "Just cut it off on your way out, please."
Translation: Turn off the light when you leave.
Translation: Turn off the light when you leave.
As in: "Tell them youngins to get in here."
Translation: Tell the children we're almost ready to eat dinner.
Translation: Tell the children we're almost ready to eat dinner.
As in: "Crank it! Let's go."
Translation: Start the car and let's leave already.
Translation: Start the car and let's leave already.
As in: "Tell your Dad supper's ready" or "Tell your Dad dinner's ready."
So what's the difference really? Here's our take on this translation: "Supper" is served during the week as the evening meal after you get home from a hard day's work. "Dinner," on the other hand, is that nice afternoon meal served only on Sundays when the whole family sits down together. "Lunch" is that meal we have during the week and some of us brown-bag that lunch to save a little dough. (Let us know in the comments if any of these are different for you.)
So what's the difference really? Here's our take on this translation: "Supper" is served during the week as the evening meal after you get home from a hard day's work. "Dinner," on the other hand, is that nice afternoon meal served only on Sundays when the whole family sits down together. "Lunch" is that meal we have during the week and some of us brown-bag that lunch to save a little dough. (Let us know in the comments if any of these are different for you.)
As in: "Roll up your window, my hair is blowing everywhere."
Firstly, there's no handle anymore and we know that but we still say "roll up the window" don't we?
A smarty-pants Translation: Push the electric window button and put the window up please."
Firstly, there's no handle anymore and we know that but we still say "roll up the window" don't we?
A smarty-pants Translation: Push the electric window button and put the window up please."
As in: "I'm fixin' to pinch that baby's cheeks, he's so cute."
Translation: I'm going to have to pinch that cute baby's cheeks.
Translation: I'm going to have to pinch that cute baby's cheeks.
As in: "I need a buggy if we're going in Walmart."
Translation: I need a buggy if I'm going in Walmart. (What? I'm never going to call it a shopping cart, ever.)
Translation: I need a buggy if I'm going in Walmart. (What? I'm never going to call it a shopping cart, ever.)
As in: "Man, pull up your britches before they fall off your body."
Translation: Dress like a grownup and pull up your pants.
Translation: Dress like a grownup and pull up your pants.
Want more reasons to laugh at our silly South Carolina selves? Here are 13 things no self-respecting South Carolinian would ever do.
