Shoot Fire!
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "shoot fire" is a colorful exclamation used to show surprise, disbelief, excitement, or mild frustration - a spicier cousin of "shoot."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms
Hillbilly Dude Says...
It's diffult, when frustrated to make sure 'fire' comes out correctly when you yell 'shoot fire!' But it could happen! Hillbilly Dude Says...
It's diffult, when frustrated to make sure 'fire' comes out correctly when you yell 'shoot fire!' But it could happen! Pronunciation
[shoo-uht fahr]
Meaning & Usage
- Express Surprise or Excitement (exclamation)
Earl:
Shoot fire! I didn’t think they’d ever finish that bridge.
Shoot fire! I didn’t think they’d ever finish that bridge.
Ruby:
Shoot fire, that pie’s good enough to win a ribbon.
Shoot fire, that pie’s good enough to win a ribbon.- Show Mild Frustration (exclamation)
Mae:
Shoot fire, I left my keys in the truck.
Shoot fire, I left my keys in the truck.variations: shoot fire, shooot fire
★ Think of "shoot fire" as a dressed-up "shoot." It adds a little more punch but stays clean enough for church. ★
Origin and Etymology
Likely built on "shoot" as a euphemism for stronger words, with "fire" added for emphasis. The pairing gives the phrase a burst of imagery, possibly from old religious or frontier speech.
Usage Notes
The phrase is versatile - it can convey amazement, pleasure, irritation, or disbelief. Tone and body language make the meaning clear.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say "shoot" quickly, almost "shoo-uht," then roll right into "fire" with a soft "fahr." The two words should run together a bit, like SHOO-uhtfahr. Tone can go up for excitement or down for exasperation - it’s all in the delivery.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Shoot Fire!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-fire
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Shoot Fire!." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-fire.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Shoot Fire!." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/shoot-fire.
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