Virginia is full of charm, and nowhere does it shine brighter than in the way folks talk. From mountain hollers to Tidewater towns, these sayings capture the humor, hospitality, and quirks of the Old Dominion.
1. “Y’all come back now, y’hear?”
The classic Virginia farewell — friendly, warm, and always sincere.
2. “Bless your heart.”
It sounds sweet, but it’s often a polite way of saying someone is clueless.
3. “Over yonder.”
Directions in Virginia rarely use street names. “Over yonder” is all you need.
4. “Madder than a wet hen.”
If you hear this, step back. Someone’s furious.
5. “Full as a tick.”
Said after a big meal, when you’ve eaten far too much.
6. “Worn slap out.”
Total exhaustion. Virginians don’t just get tired — they get “slap out.”
7. “Might could.”
A double helping of verbs. “I might could go” = “I might be able to.”
8. “Plumb ridiculous.”
“Plumb” makes any exaggeration stronger, and much funnier.
9. “Too big for his britches.”
For anyone acting more important than they really are.
10. “As Southern as sweet tea.”
The ultimate Virginia compliment — sweet, refreshing, and traditional.
11. “Hold your horses.”
A classic way to tell someone to slow down and be patient.
12. “Well, I declare!”
An old-fashioned exclamation, half surprise, half disapproval.
13. “I’m fixin’ to …”
Getting ready to do something — soon, but maybe not right away.
14. “’Til the cows come home.”
Something that lasts forever, or at least a really long time.
15. “Happy as a pig in mud.”
Pure contentment — the Virginia version of joy.
16. “Heavens to Betsy!”
Another colorful exclamation, still alive in Virginia households.
17. “You don’t know Virginia till you’ve been from one end to the other.”
Locals insist you must see both the mountains and the coast to truly understand the state.
From funny exaggerations to heartfelt hospitality, these sayings make Virginia’s speech as unique as its history. Spend enough time here, and you’ll be talking just like a local — bless your heart.
Sources
(https://www.loudounhistory.org/history/local-expressions-bygone-piedmont/)
(https://www.southernliving.com/southern-sayings-6534958)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Virginia/comments/174mo66/how_would_you_describe_virginia_in_one_funny/)
(https://www.movoto.com/guide/va/virginia-words/)
(https://www.booksaremythirdplace.com/articles/9-quotes-from-virginia-woolfs-must-read-essay-a-room-of-ones-own-that-i-couldnt-stop-thinking-about)
