Got Your Ears Lowered

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "got your ears lowered" is a playful way of saying someone got a haircut. It’s a joking compliment wrapped in teasing.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #BodyandHealth

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'd'ya get your ears lowered' my whole life. I get mine lowered once't or twice't a year.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'd'ya get your ears lowered' my whole life. I get mine lowered once't or twice't a year.

Pronunciation

[got cher EERS loh-urd]

Meaning & Usage

- To Get a Haircut (idiomatic expression)

Earl:

Well now, got your ears lowered, I see.

Elmer:

Reckon I did - felt like I was totin’ a coonskin cap in July.

Ruby:

Don’t he look sharp? Got his ears lowered.

Mae:

’Bout time - I thought we lost him under that mop.

variations: got your ears lowered, get your ears lowered, ears lowered

★ If somebody says you "got your ears lowered," take it as a compliment - but expect a chuckle. It’s usually said in good fun when folks notice your fresh haircut. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase likely started as a barber shop joke in the early 20th century. Since cutting long hair makes ears stand out more, people joked that the barber must have "lowered" them. It spread across the South and Appalachia as a lighthearted way to remark on haircuts.

Usage Notes

The expression is playful and never mean-spirited. You’ll hear it among family, friends, or barbers, usually said with a grin. It’s a folksy alternative to "nice haircut."

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it with a smile: "got cher" runs together quick, "ears" gets the emphasis, and "lowered" often comes out as "loh-urd." It’s less about precision and more about tone - friendly teasing.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "got your ears lowered" mean anything besides a haircut?

Nope - it’s strictly a joking way to point out someone’s been to the barber.

Is it still used today?

Yes, especially in rural areas, barber shops, and among older folks who keep the tradition alive.

Is it meant as an insult?

Not at all - it’s teasing, but always good-natured.

Where is it most common?

The South and Appalachia, though you might hear it anywhere folks value colorful barber shop talk.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 22). Got Your Ears Lowered. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-your-ears-lowered
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Got Your Ears Lowered." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-your-ears-lowered.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Got Your Ears Lowered." HillbillySlang.com. August 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/got-your-ears-lowered.

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