southernism

[suhth-er-niz-uhm]

noun

1. a pronunciation, expression, or behavioral trait characteristic of the U.S. South.

Word History and Origins

Origin of southernism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; Southern + -ism

Example Sentences

Backstage in the green room Ferrell’s band, whose members have taken to calling her “sissy” — the Southernism for “sister” — mugged for the camera, taking selfies to send back home to Nashville.

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She created a hashtag of her own, #YourSlipIsShowing, a Southernism that seemed particularly useful, about calling out someone who thinks they are presenting themselves flawlessly.

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An article on exactly this topic, published in the Journal of English Linguistics in 2000, was titled "The Nationalization of a Southernism"; based on scientific polling, the authors suggested that "y'all" will soon be seen as an American, rather than Southern, word.

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Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell uses a favorite Southernism when he explains why shutting down the federal government is bad politics.

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As Joe put it, they were all “geehawing,” an old Southernism that meant they were aligned.

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