   Quicker’n Two Shakes of a Lamb’s TailIn rural American speech, especially in the South and Appalachia, "quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail" (usually written "quicker than two shakes of a lamb’s tail") means "very quickly." It’s an old farm-country way of saying something will happen in almost no time. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Measurements #OldTimers #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  I've heard 'quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail,' but I'd say it's mostly old timers these days. Hillbilly Dude Says... I've heard 'quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail,' but I'd say it's mostly old timers these days. Pronunciation[KWIK-er’n too shayks uh vuh LAMBZ tayl] Meaning & Usage- Very quickly or promptly (adverbial phrase)
Mae:
How soon you comin’ back?
Earl:
I’ll be home quicker’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail.variations: quicker than two shakes of a lamb’s tail ★ This saying works because a lamb flicks its tail rapidly. Rural Americans, especially in the South and Appalachia, used it for generations to mean "in a flash." ★ Origin and EtymologyTraced back to 19th-century rural English and American speech. The image of a lamb’s tail was a natural farm simile. It became common in U.S. frontier and farm regions, including the South. Usage NotesHeard across farm country, not just the South. Today it’s a folksy or humorous way of promising speed, more common among older generations and in rural storytelling. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "quicker-n two shakes of a lamb’s tail." The "than" is dropped to "’n" in many rural accents. | ...
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... |