Looked Like the North End of a Southbound Horse

In 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.

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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 Etymology

Found 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 Notes

Still 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 Southerner

Say it natural: often shortened to "looked like the north end of a southbound hoss."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it only describe appearance?

Mostly-it’s about looking rough, silly, or backward. But it can also describe behavior ("acting like the north end"").

What’s the opposite version?

"The south end of a northbound horse" or "north end of a southbound mule"-both mean the same thing.

Is it rude?

It’s a humorous, indirect way of being insulting. Tone matters-often used jokingly among friends.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Looked Like the North End of a Southbound Horse. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/looked-like-the-north-end-of-a-southbound-horse
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Looked Like the North End of a Southbound Horse." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/looked-like-the-north-end-of-a-southbound-horse.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Looked Like the North End of a Southbound Horse." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/looked-like-the-north-end-of-a-southbound-horse.