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. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #Exclamations Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[HUHSH yer MOWTH] Meaning & Usage- To stop talking (imperative phrase)
Mae:
Earl:
- Playful disbelief or affection (figurative)
Mae:
Earl:
★ "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"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. NotesStill 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 SouthernerSaid plain: "hush yer mouth." The "your" often shortens to "yer." | ...
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