Here are 14 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in Alabama, complete with the local flavor that makes them memorable:
1. “Mashin’ the Button”
Alabamians don’t just press elevator or remote buttons; they “mash” them to make sure they work.
2. “Throw a Hissy Fit”
Instead of simply getting upset, folks say someone “throws a hissy fit” when they’re really losing their cool.
3. “Up Yonder”
For any location distant or just out of sight, Alabamians say it’s “up yonder,” a charming way to say “over there”.
4. “Too Big for Your Britches”
Calling someone “pretentious”? In Alabama, they say you’re “too big for your britches,” suggesting you’re acting above your station.
5. “Fixin’ To”
When Alabamians say they’re “fixin’ to” do something, they mean they are about to or planning to do it shortly.
6. “Nervous as a Long-Tail Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs”
A colorful way to say someone’s super anxious or on edge.
7. “Is Your Daddy a Window Maker?”
A funny way to ask someone to move out of the way, especially from the TV screen, implying they’re blocking the “window”.
8. “Uppity”
Instead of saying “snobby,” folks say someone is “uppity,” meaning they think they’re better than others.
9. “Bless His Heart”
Used to politely soften criticism, this phrase can mean anything from sympathy to thinly veiled judgment.
10. “Colder Than a Witch’s Tit in a Brass Bra”
A humorous way to talk about very cold weather.
11. “Hanging in There Like a Hair in a Biscuit”
A quirky phrase meaning someone is barely holding on or surviving a tough situation.
12. “Drunk as a Polecat”
An oldie but goodie simile describing someone very intoxicated.
13. “Chasing Your Tail”
Refers to going in circles or wasting effort without progress.
14. “Wore Slap Out”
Means being extremely tired or worn out, common across the South and beloved in Alabama.
These sayings aren’t just funny—they are windows into the humor, warmth, and colorful language that make Alabama’s culture delightfully unique.
Sources
(https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/guides/alabama-slang)
(https://www.southernliving.com/southern-sayings-6534958)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Alabama/comments/2kijzz/what_are_some_great_idioms_or_turns_of_phrase/)
(https://matadornetwork.com/read/32-funniest-alabama-expressions-use/)
(https://www.movoto.com/guide/al/alabama-words/)
