That Just Flew All Over Me

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "that just flew all over me" means "that suddenly upset or offended me." It’s used when something hits a nerve and you feel instant irritation or anger.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You can still hear 'just flew all over me' used all over down here.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You can still hear 'just flew all over me' used all over down here.

Pronunciation

[flew ALL over me]
/fluː ɔːl ˈoʊvɚ miː/

Meaning & Usage

- To cause sudden irritation or anger (idiomatic verb phrase)

Mae:

You okay?

Earl:

He made a crack about my mama-an’ it flew all over me.

- To feel instantly vexed or indignant (idiomatic verb phrase)

Mae:

They doubled the fee without tellin’ us.

Earl:

Whew, that just flew all over me.

variations: really upset me, rubbed me the wrong way, got under my skin, set me off

★ The image is of emotion "flying over" you-coming on fast and full. It’s a hallmark Southern turn of phrase for a quick flash of offense or anger, without implying a long-lasting grudge. ★

Origin and Etymology

Attested in U.S. regional English, especially the South and South Midland, as a colloquial extension of "fly all over" meaning "to attack or assail suddenly." The figurative "emotion hitting you all at once" sense is common in Southern speech.

Usage Notes

Often used about remarks that feel disrespectful or rules that seem unfair. Natural in everyday Southern/Appalachian conversation; outside the region it can sound quaint or distinctly Southern.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: stress ALL ("flew ALL over me"). "Over" often comes out quick-almost "ov’r."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it mean I got angry or just bothered?

Either-usually a sharp jolt of irritation, offense, or anger.

Is it literal?

No-it’s figurative; nothing actually "flies." It’s about how fast the feeling hits.

Still current?

Yes-alive and well in Southern speech, from casual talk to social media captions.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 18). That Just Flew All Over Me. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-just-flew-all-over-me
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "That Just Flew All Over Me." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-just-flew-all-over-me.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "That Just Flew All Over Me." HillbillySlang.com. September 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/that-just-flew-all-over-me.