Cold as CornbreadIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "cold as cornbread" or "cold as yesterday’s cornbread" means very cold, either literally (weather, temperature) or figuratively (a person’s manner). It’s a country comparison drawn straight from the kitchen. Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[KOHLD az CORN-bred] Meaning & Usage- Very cold (adjective phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
- Unfriendly or harsh (adjective phrase, figurative)
Mae:
Earl:
other spellings: cold as yesterday’s cornbread ★ This saying is a cleaner, family-friendly alternative to rougher "colder than"" expressions. It works in church, the kitchen, or just about anywhere. ★ OriginDraws from everyday food life: cornbread is best served hot, but once it cools - especially overnight - it turns stiff, dry, and unappealing. Country speakers carried that vivid comparison into their language for anything that feels frigid or unkind. NotesStill heard in Southern and Appalachian storytelling. Less common outside the region, though its meaning is easy to grasp. The "yesterday’s cornbread" version adds humor and local flavor. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "cold as cornbread." Often lengthened to "cold as yesterday’s cornbread" for extra color. | ...
About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |