Arkansas is a diverse state with many regions and a few different dialects. Within those dialects, though, are sayings that most of us are probably familiar with. I’ve compiled a list of things you probably heard all the time if you grew up in Arkansas. I’ve also included "handy dandy" translations for those who may not have grown up here. Let’s all just sit back for a moment and be grateful for the aunts, uncles, mamas, daddies, nanas, and papaws who taught us these glorious Arkansas phrases. If you’re not from here, you’re welcome for the translations of these funny Arkansas sayings.
1. “I’ve known you since you were knee high to a grasshopper.”
Translation: I may have changed your diapers, and you should listen to me because I’m older and wiser than you are.
2. “That kid is as happy as a pig in mud.” (Or the more popular, “happy as a pig in . . . excrement.”)
Translation: This child appears to be very happy.
3. “Bless his poor heart, he’s dumber than a bag of hammers.”
Translation: Oh goodness, I’m afraid that poor chap is the dumbest person I’ve ever met.
4. “Well ain’t she a character.”
Translation: This person is loud, funny, and quirky. Though I enjoy her company, I fear there may be something wrong with her.
5. “That boy ain’t got the sense God gave a goose.”
Translation: This young man appears to be terribly foolish.
6. “I’m madder than a wet hen.”
Translation: Ladies and gentlemen, it won’t do you much good to retreat. My wrath will follow you.
7. “My belly thinks my throat’s been cut.”
Translation: Friends, I appear to be so hungry that I may starve to death at any moment. I shall soon require approximately seven pounds of fried catfish.
8. “She’s so small she needs a stepladder to pick strawberries.”
Translation: My, what a tiny person this is.
9. “I got it from the gettin’ place.”
Translation: Why do you need to know where I got it, anyway?
10. “Y’all go pick me a mess o’ beans.”
Translation: Children, if you would be so kind, please retrieve a good pile of beans from the garden.
11. “Moe and ‘em went fishing.”
Translation: Moe and one or more of his compatriots are enjoying their leisure time at the nearest fishing hole.
12. “You scared the pee waddlin’ outta me.”
Translation: Oh dear, I have very nearly peed my pants from this fright.
13. “That place is workin’ alive with bugs.”
Translation: My goodness, the Smiths seem to have an ant problem.
14. “Them dogs tumped over their water again.”
Translation: These dogs are ijits.
15. “Ain’t that just the teenineciest little baby.”
Translation: This is a very small baby.
16. “Well you can sull up if you want to.”
Translation: Sulk if you want, but you still have to pick up the sticks before I mow.
Then there are words Arkansans just don't understand, such as soda. We call it pop. And there are phrases and words we all know, like Ouachita. Bet you can't pronounce that one correctly if you're not an Arkansan!
Finally, there are some major Arkansas fails that will have you laughing, like the time a couple of buffalo could be seen roaming the streets for 20 days! What are your favorite Arkansas sayings? Do tell in the comments below!
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