   Looked Like the North End of a Southbound HorseIn Southern and Appalachian speech, "looked like the north end of a southbound horse" is a humorous way of saying someone looked rough, foolish, or like the back end of something-without using a crude word. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #PeopleandRelationships #OldTimers #Southern #FarmTalk Hillbilly Dude Says...  I've got an old timer friend that I've heard say, 'like the north end of a southbound horse' as a less in-your-face way of describing somebody's looks. So you still hear it. Hillbilly Dude Says... I've got an old timer friend that I've heard say, 'like the north end of a southbound horse' as a less in-your-face way of describing somebody's looks. So you still hear it. Pronunciation[NORTH end of a SOUTH-bound HORSE] /nɔːrθ ɛnd əv ə saʊθ baʊnd hɔːrs/ Meaning & Usage- To look rough, foolish, or disheveled (humorous insult)
Mae:
He’s been at that fence all day?
Earl:
Yep-he looks like the north end of a southbound horse now.variations: looked like the south end of a northbound horse, looked like the north end of a southbound mule, looked like the back end of a horse (plain form) ★ This directional joke is polite code for "back end." A southbound horse faces south, so its north end is its tail. Saying someone "looks like the north end of a southbound horse" is a country way to call them a horse’s rear without using a crude term. ★ Origin and EtymologyFound in mid-20th-century Southern and cowboy humor books, this expression is strongest in the South, South Midland, and rural equine culture. It reflects a long tradition of directional euphemisms ("south end of a northbound mule") in Appalachian and Southern speech. Usage NotesStill heard today from older speakers in rural communities. Outside the region it’s recognizable as colorful folk humor but not as common. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: often shortened to "looked like the north end of a southbound hoss." | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |