◀ maters

mess Play audio

In Appalachian speech, mess most often means a meal-sized amount of food; it can also mean "to soil" or "to interfere."

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Food   #Measurements

Pronunciation

[MEH-yuss]

Meaning & Usage

- Large Amount, Serving or Helping (noun)

Elmer:
Whatnaworld? What's in that giant kettle?
Estel:
A mess of peanut beans.

- Went to the Bathroom (to soil) (verb)

Elmer:
Who's gonna clean up after this pup?
Estel:
Oh no. What happened.
Elmer:
She messed all over the kitchen floor.
★ If your granny says she's got a mess of soup beans
and cornbread, it means come over. Now. ★

Origin

From older English "mess" meaning a portion or dish (via Old French mes), preserved in regional speech.

Notes

In Appalachian speech, mess is most often tied to food - "mess of beans," "mess of greens" - but can also pop up in a playful scolding ("Don’t make a mess!"). Younger speakers may use it less often, except when quoting elders or joking.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "mess" always about food?
Mostly, yes. In Appalachia and the rural South, it's nearly always about a quantity of food, but folks might jokingly use it for other things - like "a mess of kids" or "a mess of tools in the barn."
How much is a "mess" of food?
There's no exact measurement. It's "enough to share" - whether that's a pot of beans, a skillet of fried okra, or pan of cornbread.
Where did the phrase come from?
"Mess" as a portion of food goes way back - it shows up in English as far back as the 1300s for "a serving of food," likely from the Old French mes meaning "portion" or "dish." Appalachia kept that older meaning alive.
Can I still use it today without sounding old-fashioned?
Absolutely. Around the hills, "mess" is still everyday talk when you're braggin' about a big harvest or a potluck spread.
Is a "mess" a specific measurement?
Not really. It’s flexible-think "enough for everybody."
What’s the difference between a "mess" and a "heap" or "passel"?
Mess usually means a meal-sized amount of food. Heap and passel are looser and can describe any large quantity, food or otherwise.
About
We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more...
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content may not be reused without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home