Scat There, Tom - Your Tail’s in the Gravy
In Appalachian and Southern humor, "scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy" is a long, comical variation of the sneeze response "scat there," mixing blessing, superstition, and pure nonsense. It's a mountain cousin to "Bless you!" or "Gesundheit!"
synonyms: bless you, gesundheit
Hillbilly Dude Says...
When I was growin' up I heard either, 'scat there, Tom,' or 'scat there, tom, your tail's in the gravy.' To the 'gravy' one, I would respond (as a tiny young'un) - 'don't say that, Momma!' It was because I was imagin' Chester's tail in the gravy. But I say it all the time to my own bunch now - especially if there are multiple sneezes. Hillbilly Dude Says...
When I was growin' up I heard either, 'scat there, Tom,' or 'scat there, tom, your tail's in the gravy.' To the 'gravy' one, I would respond (as a tiny young'un) - 'don't say that, Momma!' It was because I was imagin' Chester's tail in the gravy. But I say it all the time to my own bunch now - especially if there are multiple sneezes. Pronunciation
[skat th-air tahm, yer tay-ulz in thuh gray-vee]
/skæt ðɛɹ, tɑm, jɚ teɪlz ɪn ðə ˈɡɹeɪvi/
/skæt ðɛɹ, tɑm, jɚ teɪlz ɪn ðə ˈɡɹeɪvi/
Meaning & Usage
- Playful Sneeze Response (interjection)
Estel:
ACHOO!
ACHOO!
Elmer:
Scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy!
Scat there, Tom - your tail’s in the gravy!variations: scat there, scat there, tom
★ The longer the phrase, the more likely it’s meant to get a laugh. Nobody’s worried about gravy or tails - it’s just Appalachian wordplay at its finest. ★
Origin and Etymology
The "scat there" part comes from older sneeze responses meant to shoo away bad luck. "Tom" is a playful name tag, and "your tail’s in the gravy" is pure comedic nonsense, likely added for its rhythm, surprise, and down-home imagery.
Usage Notes
This phrase is rare today and mostly remembered fondly among those who grew up hearing it. Perfect for lightening the mood after a sneeze in a friendly gathering.
- "Scat there!" → some remember only this shortened version.
- "Scat there, Tom!" → remembered as well.
- "Scat there, Tom - your tails' in the gravy!" → rare to remember.