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They in There Like June Bugs

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "They’re in There Like June Bugs" is a colorful way to describe a crowd piling into a place or rushing something en masse.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Animals   #PeopleandRelationships   #Nature   #Southern

Pronunciation

[THEY’RE in THERE like JUNE BUGS] /ðɛr ɪn ðɛr laɪk dʒuːn bʌɡz/

Meaning & Usage

- Crowding in or swarming eagerly (simile)

Talking about a sale
Linda:
Did you see the store when they opened the doors?

Bobby:
Yeah, they’re in there like June bugs.

variations: On It Like June Bugs, In Like June Bugs, Thick as Skeeters, Packed Like Sardines (mainstream equivalent)
★ June bugs (a type of beetle) swarm porch lights, barns, and open doors on summer nights. This everyday rural image makes the perfect metaphor for people crowding or swarming. ★

Origin and Etymology

Rooted in Southern and Appalachian life where June bugs are a summer constant. Farmers, kids, and porch-sitters alike would see them collect by the dozens, inspiring this vivid simile.

Usage Notes

Still heard in rural Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it’s colorful but may puzzle listeners who don’t picture June bugs gathering.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "They’re in there like June bugs" - sometimes shortened to "In there like June bugs."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does it always mean crowded?
Yes - it evokes the image of many bugs in one place, so it’s about swarming or crowding.
Can it mean eager?
Yes - it can imply a crowd rushing in with enthusiasm, not just standing there.
Is it still used today?
Yes - mostly among older speakers or anyone wanting a rural or humorous tone.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 21). They in There Like June Bugs. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/theyre-in-there-like-june-bugs
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "They in There Like June Bugs." HillbillySlang.com, 21 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/theyre-in-there-like-june-bugs.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "They in There Like June Bugs." HillbillySlang.com. September 21, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/theyre-in-there-like-june-bugs.
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