I Don’t Care If It Riles the Devil

In Appalachian & Southern speech, "I don’t care if it riles the devil" means I’m going to do this no matter who it angers or what trouble it stirs up. It’s a defiant, colorful way of showing resolve.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'm not sure I've heard ‘I don’t care if it riles the devil, so I'm assuming that one is regional and in use by old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'm not sure I've heard ‘I don’t care if it riles the devil, so I'm assuming that one is regional and in use by old timers.

Pronunciation

AH dont KARE if it RAHLS thuh DEV-il
/aɪ doʊnt kɛər ɪf ɪt raɪlz ðə ˈdɛv.əl/

Meaning & Usage

- A defiant statement meaning you’ll proceed despite anger or consequences (folk saying)

Mae:

They said it’d cause trouble?

Earl:

Yep - but I don’t care if it riles the devil.

★ If someone says this, they’re past persuasion. "Riles" is a genuine Southern/Appalachian verb meaning "to irritate, anger, or stir up." ★

Origin and Etymology

The verb "rile" is documented in the South and Appalachia since the 19th century, derived from older English forms meaning "to vex" or "to agitate." The full saying appears in Southern and Appalachian newspaper columns, humor writing, and oral tradition from the early 20th century onward. Its rhythm, imagery, and invocation of "the devil" are consistent with regional folk-speech patterns emphasizing boldness and defiance.

Usage Notes

Still heard among older Southerners and in rural communities, especially when someone wants to signal stubborn resolve or independence. Outside the South, the phrase is rarely used but easily understood from context. Variants shift "the devil" to "anybody," depending on the speaker’s tone.

Used to show determination despite warnings or disapproval.
Often appears in storytelling and humorous defiance.
Related to the regional verb "rile," meaning "to irritate."
Most common among older speakers or in rural areas.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does this have anything to do with religion?

No - it’s figurative, using "the devil" as a colorful symbol of ultimate opposition.

Is "riles" a real Southern word?

Yes. "Rile" is a well-attested Southern/Appalachian verb meaning "to irritate or anger."

Is the saying still used today?

Yes - especially by older speakers, storytellers, or anyone wanting a vivid way to show defiance.

Does it always mean angering someone?

It can mean that, but more broadly it signals doing something despite consequences.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 28). I Don’t Care If It Riles the Devil. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-dont-care-if-it-riles-the-devil
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "I Don’t Care If It Riles the Devil." HillbillySlang.com, 28 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-dont-care-if-it-riles-the-devil.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "I Don’t Care If It Riles the Devil." HillbillySlang.com. November 28, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/i-dont-care-if-it-riles-the-devil.