   Best Not Go ThereIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Best not go there" means "You’d better not do that or go there." It’s the negative form of the authentic "best = had better" construction. synonyms: don’t go there, you’d better not, stay away Hillbilly Dude Says...  Out in the country you'll hear 'best not go there' and the like. Hillbilly Dude Says... Out in the country you'll hear 'best not go there' and the like. Pronunciation[BEST NOT GO THAIR] /bɛst nɑːt ɡoʊ ðɛr/ Meaning & Usage- Warning / Prohibition (imperative phrase)
Granny:
Best not go there after dark - the dogs’ll be out.
Jake:
Yes, ma’am.variations: you’d better not, better not go there ★ This phrase is the negative twin of "You best watch yourself." In Southern speech, "best" works with "not" to warn or forbid. ★ Origin and EtymologyDescended from older English "had best not"" which remained alive in Southern/Appalachian English as "best not"" or "you best not"." Common in rural transcripts and oral histories. Usage NotesStill widely heard in Southern/Appalachian regions. Outside the region it’s easily understood but sounds more like a colloquialism or a pop-culture warning. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: often "Best not go there" or "You best not go there" with a drawl on "there." | ...
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... |
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home