Lawsy Mercy!
In Appalachian & Southern speech, lawsy mercy is an exclamation expressing surprise, concern, sympathy, or mild shock. It’s an old-fashioned, gentle way of reacting to something unexpected or troubling.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms #MildOaths
synonyms: good gracious
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Lawsy mercy' is a common one down here, especially out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Lawsy mercy' is a common one down here, especially out in the country. Pronunciation
[LAW-zee MER-see]
/ˈlɔː.zi ˈmɜr.si/
/ˈlɔː.zi ˈmɜr.si/
Meaning & Usage
- Expression of surprise or mild shock (exclamation)
Mae:
You mean the barn roof blew clean off?
You mean the barn roof blew clean off?
Earl:
Lawsy mercy, hope nobody got hurt.
Lawsy mercy, hope nobody got hurt.- Expression of sympathy or concern (exclamation)
Mae:
Bless her heart, she’s been sick all week.
Bless her heart, she’s been sick all week.
Earl:
Lawsy mercy, I didn’t know she felt that bad.
Lawsy mercy, I didn’t know she felt that bad.- Expression of exasperation or overwhelmed feeling (exclamation)
Mae:
Kids tracked mud through ever’ room.
Kids tracked mud through ever’ room.
Earl:
Lawsy mercy" where’s the mop?
Lawsy mercy" where’s the mop?variations: laws-a-mercy, lawsie mercy
★ "Lawsy mercy" fits in the same family as "mercy me" and "good gracious," but it’s got a warmer, more old-timey flavor - strong Southern, a touch Appalachian, never harsh. ★
Origin and Etymology
Derived from older English invocations of "Lord have mercy," softened over time into gentler, euphemistic forms such as "laws" and "lawsy." These clipped and softened forms took strongest root in the South and Appalachia during the 19th century, where they remain recognizable regional exclamations.
Usage Notes
Most common among older speakers and rural communities in the South and Appalachia, "lawsy mercy" is rarely used outside the region. It is typically mild, never profane, and conveys a sympathetic or startled reaction without strong emotion.
- The "lawsy me" variant focuses more on personal exasperation.
- "Laws-a-mercy" is often used for heightened surprise or sudden news.
- These forms function as gentle substitutes for stronger religious exclamations.
- Non-Southerners often interpret the phrase as quaint or old-fashioned.
Say It Like a Southerner
Let it fall out soft: "LAW-zee MER-see," often stretched a little for emphasis.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 25). Lawsy Mercy!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lawsy-mercy
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Lawsy Mercy!." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lawsy-mercy.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Lawsy Mercy!." HillbillySlang.com. November 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lawsy-mercy.
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