fixin’ hair
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "fixin’ my hair" means getting one’s hair ready or styled - brushing, curling, or otherwise preparing it. It reflects the broader Southern use of "fix" or "fixin’" to mean "prepare" rather than "repair." (See also Fixin’.)
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
People around here have always said 'fixin’ my hair' and I didn't know it was odd 'til I growed up. Pronunciation
[FIX-in hayr]
Meaning & Usage
- Preparing or styling one’s hair (verb phrase/dialect)
Mae:
Y’all ready yet?
Y’all ready yet?
Earl:
Hang on - she’s fixin’ her hair.
Hang on - she’s fixin’ her hair.- Example of the broader Southern use of ‘fixin’ (verb phrase)
Mae:
Why say fixin’ instead of doin’?
Why say fixin’ instead of doin’?
Earl:
It’s just how we talk - fixin’ hair, fixin’ supper, fixin’ to leave.
It’s just how we talk - fixin’ hair, fixin’ supper, fixin’ to leave.other spellings: fixing hair
★ "Fixin’ hair" shows how Southerners use "fix" to mean "prepare." Outsiders sometimes misinterpret it as "repairing" hair, but it simply means "getting ready." ★
Origin
From the Scotch-Irish influenced Southern English use of "fix" to mean "prepare" or "get ready." In the hills this extended naturally to everyday tasks like cooking or grooming - hence "fixin’ hair."
Notes
Still very common in Southern/Appalachian speech. This usage of "fixin’" has become a hallmark of regional identity, much like "y’all."
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "fixin’ my hair." Also "fixin’ to do my hair."