Southern Slang Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. What does “might could” usually add to a statement such as “I might could help tomorrow”?
A promise that help will definitely be provided
A tentative sense that helping may be possible
A claim that helping is physically impossible
A complaint about being asked to help
2. Why does the meaning of “bless your heart” depend heavily on tone and context?
It is used only as a formal religious greeting
It can convey sincere affection or sympathy, but it can also soften criticism
It always signals that the speaker is angry
It has a fixed meaning that changes only by state
3. During a board game, a player loses and begins shouting, stomping, and complaining. Which phrase best fits?
They are chewing the fat
They are minding their manners
They are putting on the dog
They are pitching a hissy fit
4. In common Southern speech, who does “y’all” address?
Only members of the speaker’s family
One person being spoken about
Two or more people being spoken to
Any group that includes the speaker
5. A manager hears an unrealistic proposal and replies, “That dog won’t hunt.” What is the manager suggesting?
The proposal needs to be presented outdoors
The proposal is clever but expensive
The idea is unlikely to work or be accepted
The discussion should be postponed until hunting season
6. At a picnic, someone warns, “Don’t tump that pitcher over.” What are they telling you not to do?
Tip or overturn the pitcher
Fill the pitcher too high
Carry the pitcher outside
Mix two drinks in the pitcher
7. A traveler says, “Come hell or high water, I’ll be there by Friday.” What are they emphasizing?
Their plans depend on the weather
They expect the journey to be pleasant
They will arrive only if someone helps them
They are determined to arrive despite serious difficulties
8. What is a “hankering”?
A long and complicated story
A nagging physical ache
A strong desire or craving
A task that has been delayed
9. At an elevator, someone says, “Mash the button for the third floor.” What are they asking you to do?
Press the button
Hold the doors apart
Cancel the third-floor selection
Press several buttons together
10. After a large Sunday meal, someone says, “I’m full as a tick.” What do they mean?
They feel restless and energetic
They are eager for dessert
They finished eating unusually quickly
They have eaten until they feel very full
11. An adult says, “I’ve known her since we were knee-high to a grasshopper.” What period are they recalling?
When they first worked together
When they were very young children
When they lived in the countryside
When they were young adults
12. Someone points past a field and says, “The barn is over yonder.” Where is it?
Directly behind the speaker
Inside the nearest building
At some distance in the indicated direction
In an unknown place the speaker cannot indicate
13. Calling someone “all hat and no cattle” most nearly suggests that the person:
Projects status or expertise without the substance to support it
Owns land but avoids raising animals
Works hard but dresses too formally
Prefers talking about rural life to living in a city
14. After moving a bookcase, Lee says, “It’s sitting cattywampus.” What is probably wrong?
It is too heavy to move again
It is crooked, askew, or out of alignment
It has been placed upside down
It is blocking the room’s entrance
15. A neighbor says, “I’m fixin’ to mow the yard.” What does the neighbor mean?
They are preparing or about to mow
The mower needs to be repaired first
They have just finished mowing
They are deciding who should mow
16. If someone is “madder than a wet hen,” how are they feeling?
Deeply embarrassed
Thoroughly confused
Unusually impatient to leave
Extremely angry