   Ears BurningSouthern Saying and Old SuperstitionA common saying and superstition: if your ears are burning or feel hot, it means someone is talking about you. In some versions, the right ear means good talk, the left ear means bad. Hillbilly Dude Says...  Growin' up, whenever I told my Momma my ears were burning, she'd always tell me somebody was talking about me. Hillbilly Dude Says... Growin' up, whenever I told my Momma my ears were burning, she'd always tell me somebody was talking about me. OriginThe belief goes back to ancient Rome, where writers like Pliny the Elder noted that hot ears were a sign others were speaking about you. The superstition spread across Europe, with the added twist that the right ear burning meant you were being praised, while the left ear meant you were being criticized.
NotesIn Southern households, "ears burning" is still said as a playful remark when someone enters a room where they’ve been the topic of conversation. It’s often treated lightheartedly, but in earlier times, folks believed it as a true sign of unseen chatter. LegacyThough the belief is ancient and widespread, the South has kept it alive as a familiar saying. Today, it’s heard more as a figure of speech than a superstition, showing how old folklore often softens into everyday language. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |