Grits

In Southern and Appalachian cooking, "grits" are a dish made from ground corn (usually white hominy) boiled into a porridge-like consistency. They’re a staple of country breakfasts and often served with butter, salt, cheese, or gravy.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #FoodandDrink #Southern

synonyms: cornmeal mush (related but not identical), polenta (Italian cousin), hominy porridge

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't grow up on 'grits' like alotta folks around here. But if you get some from somebody who knows what they're doin'? Outstandin'.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't grow up on 'grits' like alotta folks around here. But if you get some from somebody who knows what they're doin'? Outstandin'.

Pronunciation

[GRITS] /ɡrɪts/

Meaning & Usage

- Ground hominy boiled into a porridge (noun)

Hazel:

What’s for breakfast?

Earl:

Eggs, bacon, and a big ol’ pot of grits.

variations: hominy grits, corn grits

★ If you order breakfast in the South, expect grits on the plate whether you asked for ‘em or not. ★

Origin and Etymology

The word "grits" comes from Old English grytt, meaning coarse meal. The dish itself traces to Native American corn cookery, adopted by European settlers in the American South. By the 1800s, grits were a daily staple across the rural South and Appalachia.

Usage Notes

Traditionally made from white hominy (alkali-treated corn), though yellow corn grits exist too.
Served at breakfast with butter, cheese, or gravy; at dinner alongside shrimp, greens, or fried catfish.
Unlike polenta, grits are usually finer and made from hominy rather than plain ground corn.
Strong cultural marker of Southern identity and hospitality.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What are grits made of?

Ground corn (usually hominy) boiled into a porridge.

Are grits the same as polenta?

No. They’re similar, but polenta is coarser and made from yellow cornmeal. Grits are usually white and made from hominy.

Why are grits considered Southern?

They became a staple in the South from Native American influence and the availability of corn. They remain a symbol of Southern cooking.

Do you eat grits sweet or savory?

Traditionally savory - with butter, cheese, or gravy. Some folks add sugar or syrup, but that’ll start a friendly argument at the table.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 29). Grits. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/grits
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Grits." HillbillySlang.com, 29 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/grits.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Grits." HillbillySlang.com. September 29, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/grits.

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