Tennessee is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unmistakable Southern charm. But if you’ve lived in the Volunteer State long enough, chances are your vocabulary has picked up a few words and phrases that only true Tennesseans understand. From colloquialisms to regional slang, these words set locals apart from the rest of the country. How many of these do you recognize?
1. Fixin’ To
If you’re in Tennessee and you hear someone say they’re “fixin’ to” do something, don’t be alarmed—they’re not actually repairing anything. This phrase simply means they’re getting ready to do something. Example: “I’m fixin’ to head to the store.”
2. Holler
In Tennessee, a “holler” isn’t just what you do to get someone’s attention. It refers to a small valley or narrow valley between hills. Example: “Grandma’s house is down in the holler.”
3. Reckon
Tennesseans don’t just think or believe something—they “reckon” it. It’s a classic Southern way of expressing an opinion. Example: “I reckon it’s gonna rain tomorrow.”
4. Y’all
Perhaps the most famous Southern word of them all, “y’all” is a contraction of “you all.” It’s an essential part of any Tennessean’s vocabulary and is used when addressing more than one person. Example: “Y’all coming to the barbecue?”
5. Bless Your Heart
This phrase may sound sweet, but in Tennessee, it can have multiple meanings. It can be used sincerely to show sympathy, or sarcastically to imply someone isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Example: “Oh, bless your heart—you really tried.”
6. Tater
Potatoes in Tennessee aren’t just potatoes—they’re “taters.” Whether fried, mashed, or baked, this word is used affectionately for the beloved spud. Example: “Pass me some of them taters.”
7. Buggy
In Tennessee, you don’t grab a shopping cart at the grocery store—you grab a “buggy.” Example: “Go get a buggy so we can load up on groceries.”
8. Coke
If you ask for a “Coke” in Tennessee, don’t be surprised if the next question is, “What kind?” Here, “Coke” is a generic term for any carbonated soft drink. Example: “Do you want a Coke? We have Sprite and Dr Pepper.”
9. Mash
This word isn’t just about potatoes—it also means to press or push something. Tennesseans don’t press buttons; they “mash” them. Example: “Mash that button to turn on the TV.”
10. Gullywasher
When a thunderstorm rolls through Tennessee and brings heavy rain, locals call it a “gullywasher.” Example: “That storm last night was a real gullywasher.”
11. Hankerin’
If you have a strong craving for something, you’re not just wanting it—you have a “hankerin’.” Example: “I’ve got a hankerin’ for some barbecue.”
Conclusion
If these words and phrases sound like part of your everyday conversation, chances are you’ve lived in Tennessee for quite a while. Whether it’s the casual “y’all” or the unmistakable “holler,” Tennesseans have a language all their own. Next time you catch yourself saying “fixin’ to” or “bless your heart,” just embrace it—you’re officially part of the Volunteer State’s linguistic family!
