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You Best Hush

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "You best hush" means "You’d better be quiet." It’s an authentic imperative formed from the older-English use of "best" = "had better."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #ScoldingandTeasing   #Euphemisms

synonyms: be quiet, hush up, pipe down

Pronunciation

[YOO BEST HUSH] /juː bɛst hʌʃ/

Meaning & Usage

- Warning / Admonition (imperative phrase)

Cutting off chatter
Gran:
Y’all best hush at the table.

Kids:
Yes, ma’am.

variations: you’d better be quiet, hush up
★ Dropping the "you" ("Best hush") makes it more colloquial. Variants like "hush up" or "hush now" keep the same "had better" force. ★

Origin and Etymology

From older English phrasing ("had best hush") that persisted in Southern/Appalachian speech as "you best"". "Hush" itself is longstanding in Southern usage for "be quiet."

Usage Notes

Still common in homes, churches, and schools across the South/Appalachia. Outside the region, it’s easily understood but sounds quaint or old-timey.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "Best hush," "You best hush up," or "Best hush now," often with gentle but firm emphasis on "hush."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "You best hush" the same as "You’d better be quiet"?
Yes - just the Southern/Appalachian form.
Can you say "Best hush up"?
Absolutely - "hush up" and "hush now" are natural variants.
Is this rude?
Tone matters. From elders/parents it’s firm but not necessarily harsh.

How to Cite This Page

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). You Best Hush. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-hush
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    The Hillbilly Dude. "You Best Hush." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-hush.
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