Let Me Tell You How the Cow Ate the Cabbage

In Southern speech, let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage means to speak bluntly or tell the plain truth. It’s a folksy way of saying, "I’m about to be honest with you - no sugarcoating."

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk

synonyms: speak frankly, tell it like it is, be honest, give the plain truth

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I think 'Let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage' is a good one, but I never heard it growin' up, only read it. I think it's a little more regional.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I think 'Let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage' is a good one, but I never heard it growin' up, only read it. I think it's a little more regional.

Pronunciation

[LET meh TELL yuh how
thuh COW ate thuh CAB-bidge]
/lɛt mi ˈtɛl jə haʊ ðə kaʊ eɪt ðə ˈkæb.ɪdʒ/

Meaning & Usage

- To speak bluntly or deliver the truth (idiom)

Mabel:

Alright, let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage - you can’t drive worth a lick.

Earl:

Well, I reckon I asked for it.

variations: I’ll tell you how the cow ate the cabbage, tell them how the cow ate the cabbage

★ If somebody says they’re about to "tell you how the cow ate the cabbage," brace yourself - the truth’s comin’ next, whether you like it or not. ★

Origin and Etymology

The saying likely arose in rural Southern farming communities in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Cows occasionally wandered into gardens and ate the cabbage, a frustrating event for farmers - a perfect metaphor for a messy truth that must be faced head-on. The phrase spread widely through Texas and neighboring states and remains a hallmark of Southern humor and direct talk.

Usage Notes

This expression often signals a mix of humor and seriousness. It’s more playful than harsh and can precede a lecture, confession, or plainspoken opinion. Though less common today, it’s still instantly recognizable across the South as a warning that someone’s about to speak their mind.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "let me tell you how the cow ate the cabbage" mean?

It means to speak plainly or deliver the truth without holding back.

Where did it come from?

From Southern farm life - cows raiding cabbage patches made a vivid image for a situation that couldn’t be ignored.

Is it still used today?

Yes, mostly among older Southerners or anyone fond of colorful old expressions.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 23). Let Me Tell You How the Cow Ate the Cabbage. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/let-me-tell-you-how-the-cow-ate-the-cabbage
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Let Me Tell You How the Cow Ate the Cabbage." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/let-me-tell-you-how-the-cow-ate-the-cabbage.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Let Me Tell You How the Cow Ate the Cabbage." HillbillySlang.com. October 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/let-me-tell-you-how-the-cow-ate-the-cabbage.

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