Hush Your Mouth!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Hush your mouth" means be quiet, stop talking, or quit saying something. It can be playful, affectionate, or even a scolding, depending on tone.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

Usually 'hush your mouth' is like saying, 'oh, stop that!'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Usually 'hush your mouth' is like saying, 'oh, stop that!'

Pronunciation

[HUHSH yer MOWTH]

Meaning & Usage

- To stop talking (imperative phrase)

Mae:

I don’t like beans.

Earl:

Hush your mouth and be thankful.

- Playful disbelief or affection (figurative)

Mae:

That pie’s better than Granny’s.

Earl:

Hush your mouth!

★ "Hush your mouth" can be sharp if spoken in anger, but in many families it’s gentle or playful. The same words can mean scolding or affection depending on how they’re said. ★

Origin and Etymology

"Hush" has been part of English since the 14th century, meaning "be silent." In the South and Appalachia, it merged into the full phrase "hush your mouth," which became a familiar way to quiet someone or express playful disbelief.

Usage Notes

Still very common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Often used with children, or as a light-hearted way of showing surprise or teasing. Outside the region, it may sound quaint or theatrical.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "hush yer mouth." The "your" often shortens to "yer."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "hush your mouth" mean the same as "shut up"?

Kind of - but it’s usually softer or more playful.

Is it always scolding?

No - it can also mean surprise or affection, depending on tone.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - it’s alive and well in Southern/Appalachian speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 18). Hush Your Mouth!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hush-your-mouth
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hush Your Mouth!." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hush-your-mouth.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Hush Your Mouth!." HillbillySlang.com. September 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hush-your-mouth.

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