Summary

The webpage content humorously outlines the unique linguistic expressions, cultural nuances, and social behaviors that define being a "Southerner" in the United States, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Southern dialect, customs, and community bonds.

Abstract

The article titled "Suth’nahs" delves into the idiosyncrasies of Southern American culture, particularly focusing on the colloquial language known as "Suth'nisms." It explains that Southerners have a specific way of pronouncing words, understanding local phrases, and using terms that are often foreign to non-Southerners. The text highlights the deep-rooted knowledge Southerners have of their cultural expressions, such as the appropriate times to use phrases like "by and by" or "directly," and the ability to distinguish between various Southern archetypes like rednecks and good ol' boys. The article also touches on the importance of food in Southern hospitality, the sense of community and kinship, and the patience and grace Southerners extend to those who may not understand their ways. It concludes with a playful invitation for those not from the South to embrace the culture and for Southerners to take pride in their heritage.

Opinions

The author believes that Southern colloquialisms, such as "yonder" and "fixin'," are a significant part of Southern identity.
There is a strong sentiment that Southern hospitality is exemplified through gestures like bringing food to a neighbor in need.
The article suggests that Southerners have an inherent understanding of their cultural nuances, which can be perplexing to outsiders.
It is implied that Southerners are welcoming and friendly, often making friends in everyday situations like standing in line

Suth’nahs

What follows is a little something that’s been doing the rounds for a long time — I didn’t compose the list. Just thought I’d share!

No self-respecting Southerner would ever call them selves a “South-er-ner.” It’s pronounced: “Suth’nuh.” And “Southernisms” (pronounced “suth’nisms”) are uniquely southern (pronounced “suth’nahn”) colloquial modes of speech and attitude.

Suth’nisms:

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit, and that you don’t “HAVE” them, you “PITCH” them.

Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, or what have you make up “a mess.”

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of “yonder.” (pronounced: yon-dah)

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long “directly” is, as in: “Goin’ to town, be back directly …”

Even Southern babies know that “Gimme some shugah” is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

All Southerners know exactly when “by and by” is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who’s got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor’s trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin’!

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between “right near” and “a right far piece.” They also know that “just down the road” can be 1 mile or 20.

Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol’ boy, and po’ white trash.

A Southerner knows that “fixin” can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, … and when we’re “in line,”… we talk to everybody!

Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they’re related, even if only by marriage.

In the South, ya’ll is singular, all ya’ll is plural.

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.

When you hear someone say, “Well, I caught myself lookin’,” you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!

Only true Southerners say “sweet tea” and “sweet milk.” Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it. “Sweet milk” means you don’t want buttermilk.

And a true Southerner knows you don’t scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, “Bless her heart.… “ and go your own way.

To those of you who are still a little embarrassed by your Southerness: Take two tent revivals and a dose of sausage gravy and call me in the morning. Bless your heart! And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all this Southern stuff… bless your hearts, I hear they are fixin’ to have classes on Southernness as a second language!

For those who are not from the South but have lived here for a long time, all ya’ll need a sign to hang on ya’ll’s front porch that reads “I ain’t from the South, but I got here as fast as I could.”

Southern girls know: men may come and go, but friends are fah-evah !

Now Shugah, send this to someone who was raised in the South or wish they had been! If you’re a Northern transplant… bless your little heart… fake it. We know you got here as fast as you could.