Gettin’ Above Your Raisin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "gettin’ above your raisin’" means acting too proud or forgetting your humble roots. It’s a way of calling out someone who thinks they’re better than where they came from.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

When people get a little too fancy, you'll still heard 'gettin’ above her raisin’' to describe 'em. They orta know better.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

When people get a little too fancy, you'll still heard 'gettin’ above her raisin’' to describe 'em. They orta know better.

Pronunciation

[GET-in uh-BUHV yer RAY-zin]

Meaning & Usage

- To act proud or superior (verb phrase)

Mae:

She won’t even wave at us now?

Earl:

Guess she’s gettin’ above her raisin’.

- To forget humble beginnings (verb phrase, figurative)

Mae:

Think he’s too good for the farm now?

Earl:

Yep, he’s gettin’ above his raisin’.

variations: getting above your raising

★ This saying is a gentle but pointed reminder to stay humble. It can be used as a tease, but also as a serious reproach in close-knit communities. ★

Origin and Etymology

Rooted in rural Southern and Appalachian culture, where "raisin’" means upbringing. The phrase became widely known through the Bill Monroe bluegrass song "You’re Gettin’ Above Your Raisin’" (1951), cementing its place in country talk.

Usage Notes

Still used in the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers. Younger folks may not use it daily, but it’s a recognizable cultural phrase and often shows up in music and storytelling.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "gettin’ above yer raisin’." The final "g" is usually dropped: "raisin’."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "raisin’" mean the fruit?

No - here it means upbringing or how someone was raised.

Is it always an insult?

Not always - it can be playful, but often carries real criticism about pride.

Is it unique to the South?

Strongest in Southern and Appalachian speech, though recognized nationwide thanks to country music.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Getting Above Your Raising. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-above-your-raisin
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Getting Above Your Raising." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-above-your-raisin.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Getting Above Your Raising." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/gettin-above-your-raisin.

advertisement...