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Ain’t Got a Lick of Sense

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "ain’t got a lick of sense" means someone is foolish, lacking in judgment, or acting without any common sense at all.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern   #ScoldingandTeasing   #BodyandHealth

Hillbilly Dude Says...
You can definitely hear people sayin', 'ain’t got a lick of sense,' it's common down here. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You can definitely hear people sayin', 'ain’t got a lick of sense,' it's common down here. 

Pronunciation

[AYNT got uh LIK uh SENTS]

Meaning & Usage

- To be foolish or lack judgment (verb phrase, figurative)

Mae:
Why’d he jump in the creek?
Earl:
’Cause he ain’t got a lick of sense.
★ Adding "lick" makes the insult sharper than just saying "no sense." It’s a staple of Southern scolding and storytelling. ★

Origin and Etymology

Built on the Southern/Appalachian use of "lick" as a tiny measurement. Saying someone "ain’t got a lick" means they don’t have even the smallest trace - of sense, work ethic, or smarts.

Usage Notes

Still very common in the South and Appalachia. Sometimes said playfully, other times as a stinging criticism. Related to other "lick" phrases like lick and not a lick of work.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "ain’t got a lick ’a sense." The "of" is often slurred to "a."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does it always mean someone’s dumb?
Not necessarily - sometimes it means careless or reckless.
Is it always an insult?
It can be sharp, but also affectionate when said about kids or animals.
Do people still use it today?
Yes - very much alive in Southern/Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 6). Ain’t Got a Lick of Sense. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-got-a-lick-of-sense
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Ain’t Got a Lick of Sense." HillbillySlang.com, 6 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-got-a-lick-of-sense.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Ain’t Got a Lick of Sense." HillbillySlang.com. September 6, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/aint-got-a-lick-of-sense.
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