Shoot Far!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "shoot far" is an exclamation showing surprise, disbelief, or mild astonishment - similar to saying "well I’ll be" or "you don’t say."

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Exclamations #Euphemisms

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Honestly 'shoot far!' is probably the thing I use third most often when I'm frustrated. First place is plain ol' shoot. Second is 'golly bum'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

Honestly 'shoot far!' is probably the thing I use third most often when I'm frustrated. First place is plain ol' shoot. Second is 'golly bum'

Pronunciation

[shoo-uht fahr]

Meaning & Usage

- Express Surprise or Disbelief (exclamation)

Mae:

Clyde finally fixed that fence.

Elmer:

Shoot far - I didn’t think he’d ever get around to it.

Ruby:

That calf weighed 95 pounds at birth.

Earl:

Shoot far! That’s a big one.

variations: shoot far, shooot far

★ It’s never about distance - "shoot far" is a folksy reaction, not a command. Think of it as a clean, country-flavored "well I’ll be" you can say in polite company. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely a softened euphemism for stronger exclamations, "shoot" being a common stand-in for "sh-" and "far" possibly evolving from "fire" or simply added for rhythm. It’s been recorded in rural American speech for generations.

Usage Notes

Tone is everything - said with a smile, it’s pure good-natured surprise; said slowly, it can hint at skepticism. It’s a safe, all-ages phrase, so you’ll hear it from kids to grandparents.

Say It Like a Southerner

Start with "shoot" as one quick syllable, almost like "shooot" with a short, relaxed vowel. Follow with "far," giving it a little drawl so it sounds closer to "fahr." Keep your tone rising slightly at the end, like you’re reacting to unexpected news - friendly surprise, not anger.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it mean to actually shoot far?

Nope - it’s just an expression of surprise.

Is it considered swearing?

Not at all - it’s a wholesome, family-friendly phrase.

Where is it most common?

Rural Southern and Appalachian regions, though similar phrases pop up in the Midwest.

Can it be used sarcastically?

Yes - draw it out slow if you’re not entirely buying what someone’s telling you.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Shoot Far!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-far
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Shoot Far!." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-far.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Shoot Far!." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-far.

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