Tag Archives: southern sayings

Oklahoma Folk Speech

Age: 39
Hometown: Enid, Oklahoma
Location: Oklahoma

Context:
My dad heard this phrase growing up in Oklahoma. The phrase is used in response to someone asking a question about doing something, such as “Are we going to the grocery store today?” or “Are you still making biscuits and gravy for dinner?”.

From what he understands, this phrase comes from the real concern about creeks flooding during rainy season in Oklahoma and how it might impact people’s day/livelihood.

Content:
“If the good lord is willing and the creek doesn’t rise/flood”

Analysis:
This phrase is a regional proverb that expresses uncertainty about the future. It combines the religious beliefs of the area with local environmental realities. This reflects a world in which both divine intervention and environmental control influence everyday life. It’s short and easily repeatable allowing for easy use in everyday conversations. Additionally, the phrase highlights how the cultural environment and regional identity shape language and expressions, demonstrating how folklore provides a way for people to communicate uncertainty.

Gimme some Sugar

Nationality: American
Age: 68
Residence: Huntsville, TN
Performance Date: 2-19-23
Primary Language: English

Text:

“Come ‘er and gimme some sugar”

Context:

The informant is my Mamaw, that’s how we say grandma where I’m from. She is sixty-eight years old; she was born in Pennsylvania, then moved to Kentucky, and has now lived in Tennessee for about forty years. She has an incredibly thick southern accent that sounds like most other people over fifty in my town and would most definitely self-identify as a country bumpkin. I called and asked her if she knew any phrases that were specifically southern, maybe that her northern siblings don’t say. As she was giving a few examples in her slow voice, I was reminded of a metaphor that I have only heard her, and my mother say.

Interviewer- What about the phrase you say when want me to give you affection before I leave your house or just got there?

Informant- (contemplates) Oh, (laughs) “come ‘er and gimme some sugar.” (She says the phrase in a tone that is somehow a mix of sternness and love)

Interviewer- So why do you say that, because obviously you don’t want actual sugar?

Informant- Hmm, idk I’ve ‘nt put much thinking to it I guess (laughs)

Interviewer- Do you remember the first time you heard it or who said it?

Informant- Lord no, I’ve just always said it to my kids and grandkids, so someone must’ve said it to me.

Analysis:

This metaphor encapsulates many characteristics of the region I grew up in and the people there. The phrase “gimme some sugar” is pretty simplistic, it means give me a hug or kiss, but the metaphor actually represents much more. First, this saying is only used with family members or close friends and is said to someone much younger than an adult. The tone that is used can almost be described as authoritative, but in a loving and high-pitched voice, so the command cannot be ignored. These characteristics of the metaphor speak to the significance of respecting and obeying one’s elders in Southern culture. Using the word “sugar” adds that warm and affectionate charm that Southerners are known for; they are quite literally “sugar coating it.” Sugar is also a vital ingredient in many dishes, and I have noticed many other examples of ingredients and food being used as representatives in Southern folk speech. This is likely due to the importance of preparing food and eating together which is heavily emphasized in Southern culture.