Summer Sage from the South: 11 Phrases Your Grandmother Persistently Mumbled During Summertime
Southern grandmothers bring a unique charm to summer days, with an assortment of colorful phrases that encapsulate the sweltering heat and the activities associated with it. In the lingo of Southerners, the intensity of the season finds its expression in a series of witty sayings.
"My makeup is melting off, I need to reapply," a grandmother might say, humorously conveying the weather's unpleasant effects. Another comic remark, "I'm putting up," refers to the grandmother's diligent efforts in canning, pickling, or freezing the bountiful summer produce from her garden.
When the mercury rises, Southern grandmothers are not reluctant to voice their opinion. "It's hot as blue blazes," is a phrase that old-timers use to describe the heat. Some grandmothers may even refer to the stove as a no-go zone when the temperatures are high, justifying why dinners often consist of cold meals like sandwiches.
Concern for children's well-being is never far from the minds of Southern grandmothers. It is not uncommon to hear, "That baby doesn't need to be out in this heat," whenever a child ventures outdoors. On the other hand, the phrase "Y'all come visit!" is usually an invitation for family and friends to escape the heat and cool down with some refreshing drinks.
The Southern tradition of creative wordplay comes to the forefront when discussing the heat. A grandmother might declare that it's "hotter than the hinges of hell" or just as hot as "a firecracker," to emphasize the intensity of the temperatures.
In some cases, grandmothers may use clever phrases to encourage children to go outside and play, despite the heat. "Go get some sun," they might say, though the irony might be apparent to those familiar with the potential dangers of prolonged sun exposure.
Should summertime behaviors cross the line, grandmothers have a special tactic to enforce discipline. Threatening, "If y'all don't act right, you're gonna have to play outside," is a not-so-subtle reminder for children to straighten up or face the scorching outdoors.
Overall, the expressions and mannerisms of Southern grandmothers during the summertime are a testament to the region's humor and resilience in the face of seasonal challenges. Their unique colloquialisms serve as a reminder that even in the height of summer's heat, there is always room for a bit of laughter and good-natured banter.
- When the heat becomes unbearable, a grandmother might quote, "I need to reapply my makeup, it's melting off," adding a touch of humor to the situation.
- During summer, Southern grandmothers often express their discomfort by saying, "It's hot as blue blazes," showcasing their regional dialect and unique sayings.
- Grandmothers might use the phrase, "Go get some sun," encouraging children to play outside, demonstrating their creative use of language and fashionable Southern living, even amidst the heat of summer.
