Struttin’ Like a Rooster
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "strutting like a rooster" means "walking with pride or swagger" - acting as if you own the place. It’s especially vivid in rural talk, where roosters rule the barnyard.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern
synonyms: swaggering, showing off, proud walk, parading
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I like 'struttin' like a banty rooster' myself, because those little dudes are funny. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I like 'struttin' like a banty rooster' myself, because those little dudes are funny. Pronunciation
[STRUT-in like a ROOS-ter]
/ˈstrʌtɪn laɪk ə ˈruːstɚ/
/ˈstrʌtɪn laɪk ə ˈruːstɚ/
Meaning & Usage
- Walking Proudly / Swaggering (simile)
Mae:
He came in strutting like a rooster after winning the prize.
He came in strutting like a rooster after winning the prize.
Earl:
Yep - thought he was king of the world.
Yep - thought he was king of the world.- Showing Off / Acting Important (simile)
Hazel:
She was strutting like a banty rooster in her new dress.
She was strutting like a banty rooster in her new dress.
Ruby:
She sure wanted everyone to notice.
She sure wanted everyone to notice.variations: strut like a rooster, strutting like a banty rooster, strut like a banty rooster, acting like a rooster
★ Adding "banty rooster" intensifies the image - banty (bantam) roosters are smaller but feisty, so "strutting like a banty rooster" suggests overconfidence or extra swagger. ★
Origin and Etymology
From farm life in the American South and Appalachia, where roosters literally strut to assert dominance. This simile appears in regional newspapers and oral histories throughout the 20th century and remains common today.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in Southern/Appalachian speech. Variants include "strut like a rooster," "strut like a banty rooster," and "strut like a little rooster." Used for men or women showing off, or even pets acting bold.
- Strut like a rooster - standard form
- Strut like a banty rooster - intensified version
- Strutting like a rooster - present participle form
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "He’s strut’n like a banty rooster" or "strut’n like a rooster" in relaxed speech.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Strutting Like a Rooster. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/strutting-like-a-rooster
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Strutting Like a Rooster." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/strutting-like-a-rooster.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Strutting Like a Rooster." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/strutting-like-a-rooster.
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