Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

◀ nekkid

news bee

In Appalachian speech, a "news bee" is the local name for a hover fly, often the Virginia flower fly (Milesia virginiensis). It looks like a hornet or bee but is harmless, hovering in place as if delivering a message.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Animals   #Nature   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
A 'news bee' will just fly right up to you and stare. That's all I've never known them to be called around here. 

Pronunciation

[NOOZ bee]

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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.

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Meaning & Usage

- Hover fly (not a true bee) (noun)

Mae:
Don’t swat it - that’s a news bee.
Earl:
Harmless little thing, just buzzin’ in place.
other spellings: hover fly, Virginia flower fly, flower fly, good-news bee, bad-news bee, and news wasp (mistaken)
★ Though it looks fierce, a news bee won’t sting or bite. It hovers and zips but is harmless. ★

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